In an interview published this morning Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo suggests that Michael Schumacher could still return to the F1 cockpit if his ambitious proposal to be allowed to run three cars next year is given the green light.

In an interview published in Italian newspaper La Stampa this morning Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo suggests that Michael Schumacher could still return to the F1 cockpit if his ambitious proposal to be allowed to run three cars next year is given the green light. Little more than a day after the seven times F1 world champion's scrapped his comeback due to a lingering neck injury which he incurred during a Superbike testing accident in February, Montezemolo still holds out hope that the German star could return.

Asked about whether he was looking to the past in nominating Schumacher to deputise for the injured Felipe Massa, the Ferrari Chairman said: "Well we're talking about Michael Schumacher. He is 40 years old, but he's still from another planet. I prefer the champion, even if matured, to the mediocre driver, even if he's young. Our circus needed some great input. We're continuing to fight until every team has the right to start with three cars in the next season (and one I'd have handed over to Michael with pleasure). I prefer three McLaren and three Renault to three 'whatevers'. With BMW gone, there's not much to say but lots to do."

Montezemolo revealed that Schumacher had told him on "Monday evening" that he would be unable to race in Valencia. "Over the last days Michael had anticipated that he was about to go back to Germany for another scan of his neck. It seemed to be a formality," the Ferrari Chairman said. But instead: "They found something that still didn't work. So it's better not to insist. We wouldn't do that at all. He had the small motorcycle accident in February and on the first laps at Mugello he felt that something was wrong. You shouldn't joke with your health."

Asked if he was disappointed, Montezemolo said: "Very disappointed. For the enthusiasm Schumacher accepted the challenge, for how it went, completely improvised. Let me say it again: it's too risky." Asked how did Schumacher reacted, he told the newspaper: "What do you think? He answered with such an enthusiasm to my request; the enthusiasm of a boy and not of a retired champion. He lost 4 kilos; same weight as in October 2006 when he raced for the last time in Brazil. You can imagine how he took it."

However Montezemolo is pleased that Badoer has finally been given the chance to start a grand prix in a Ferrari after twelve years as a test driver with the Scuderia, and unconcerned that it is ten years since he last raced and F1 car. Faith in Luca Badoer, who's one of us. Destiny has given him a unique possibility now he has to make the best out of it. We will support him with all we've got." Montezemolo added that Badoer will have Schumacher's full support for his Valencia outing: "Underlining his connection with Ferrari, he'll support Luca, who is already preparing himself with his personal trainer," the Ferrari Chairman added.