MOTOR RACING: Ferrari's master in speedy return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MICHAEL SCHUMACHER returned to the racetrack for the first time yesterday since breaking his leg in a crash in the British Grand Prix on 11 July.
On Thursday, Schumacher was given clearance by a team of doctors to drive again. The double world champion limped a little when he got out of his Ferrari after he completed one lap, but after a pause he drove four more laps.
His best time of 1min 28.86sec was a second better than the 1:29.90 clocked the day before by his Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine. But there has not yet been a decision as to whether Schumacher will start in the Belgian Grand Prix next weekend.
Earlier this week, Ferrari's chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, said that the team hoped to have Schumacher back in action in time for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 12 September.
During Schumacher's absence, Irvine, Ferrari's No 2 driver, gained two wins and a third place to take an unexpected lead in the world drivers' championship. Irvine leads the world champion, Mika Hakkinen, by two points with five races left in the season.
Schumacher was known to be anxious to resume racing and regain his role as Ferrari's No 1 driver . With 10 points awarded for each victory Schumacher, who has 32 points after missing three races, could still to be in the running for the world title.
However, the team strategy is to help the driver with more points in the standings and Schumacher may find himself in the unusual position of having to help Irvine beat the McLaren pairing of Hakkinen and David Coulthard.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments