The seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is to come out of retirement to drive for Ferrari until Felipe Massa is able to race again, the team confirmed this evening.

The 40-year-old has not driven competitively since the end of the 2006 season. But Schumacher, who won five of his titles with Ferrari and who has recently been acting as an advisor to the team, will now race in the European grand prix in Valencia on 23 August.

"Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa's car until the Brazilian driver will be able to race again," said a statement from Ferrari.

Schumacher will first have to undergo a rigorous training programme as he is understood to be recovering from neck and back injuries sustained in a motorbike accident in Spain in February. But Schumacher said that he will step in as Massa continues his recovery from a fractured skull sustained in a freak accident on Saturday in qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher on his official website. "This afternoon I met with [team principal] Stefano Domenicali and [president] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true the Formula One chapter has been closed for me for some time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

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