Schumacher return in doubt?

After all the hype that has been slowly building since it was announced last week that seven-time World Champion would return to the grid at the Valencia street circuit at the end of the month, news sources are today circulating that "a lingering neck injury may prevent Michael Schumacher from making his sensational return"

Motorsport.com is reporting that the German driver is still suffering from the effects he sustained when testing a German Superbike in February. Schumacher came off the bike at the Spanish track and was hospitalised after the fall, forcing the 40-year-old to miss 100 days before he could return to the saddle.

Last week Ferrari warned that Schumacher would only return if the driver was able to pass a series of medical checks and get through an intense training regime.

Given the G-forces exerted on the neck during the course of a Grand Prix weekend, Schumacher knows how vital it will be to withstand the stresses and strains that will be placed upon him, and that's not counting the Ferrari fans already expecting glory.

Schumacher has already been back in action, taking to the track last week in Ferrari's 2007 model of the car, completing 70 laps at the team test circuit in Italy.

The 40-year-old commented via his official website soon after that his neck "pinches abit" adding that "We have to get a grip on that as health is a priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari, with my wife too"

Spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm told German television ZDF that Schumacher's return "depends on medical investigations"

"It's not quite certain yet that his neck will hold and the comeback can be started"

This news will no doubt come as a blow to a majority of fans in F1. Since the announcement of Schumacher's return last week bookies around the world have slashed odds for the German driver to add to an already impressive win record of 91 in remaining races this season.

For now it seems fans, especially those in red, have returned to wishing and hoping.