SO, MICHAEL Schumacher is back. And one suspects that Formula One is glad to see him again.

The seven-time champion, who retired in 2006, will replace injured Felipe Massa in the European Grand Prix (GP) in Valencia on Aug 23, and possibly for the remainder of the season.

Said the German: "Though it is true that, for me, the Formula One chapter has been completely closed for a long time, it is also true that for reasons of loyalty to the team, I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation.

"But, as the competitor that I am, I also very much look forward to facing this."

Indeed, his return can even rescue F1 from a season of turmoil that saw a near breakaway of eight race teams from the championship, as well as the withdrawals of reputed car makers Honda and BMW, reported The Telegraph.

On paper, Schumacher is up against tough challenges.

He has not driven an F1 car in 17 months. At 40, he retains a high level of general fitness, but has probably lost the sport-specific endurance in the neck and shoulders that keeps a driver's head upright around corners.

All evidence point to him finishing last in Valencia. Yet, one need only to look at another oldie in another gruelling sport who came back from retirement - Lance Armstrong.

Finishing third in this year's Tour de France, after a fouryear absence, arguably equals any of his seven victories when he reigned supreme.

Armstrong and Schumacher share a pathological need to win. Both are not easy to love, but admiration is universal.

Turning to Schumacher is not so much a gamble as a reflex response for Ferrari, reported The Independent.

During his reign, he was the drive and spirit of the Italian team. Not only was he the inspiration of the engineers and the mechanics, but he was also their most demanding taskmaster.

Ferrari said half-jokingly that Schumacher's abdication was over. In all their recent troubles and the chaos of their sport, it is not the most difficult thing they have been called to do.

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