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.