Former World Champion Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher will intensify training for his comeback this week, as he prepares to deputise for injured Felip Massa at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August, but he has a dodgy neck.
The seven-time world champion must pass a medical before he can stand in for Massa when practice begins in 11 days, but unfortunately, the 40-year-old hasn't been in the best shape since he last drove for Ferrari at the end of 2006.
Yesterday, however, the German was able to get out of bed on his own, and go to the bathroom for a pee. Later, he ate breakfast unaided, and even watched a little TV, before taking an afternoon nap around 2pm.
Some time later this week, nurses say, they expect him to get himself dressed in his leathers and helmet, after which they will take him in his wheelchair down to the track at Mugello in Italy, and insert him into the driving seat of his Ferrari F2007 for a special two-day test.
One of those looking after Schumacher, nurse Trudi Koch, 18, said:
"We gave him some semolina this morning, and he managed to keep that down, so the signs are good. It looks like he will be OK to ride in Spain, but he might have to have one of the nurses sit in the car with him."
