Sore neck may prevent Schu return – spokeswoman
The seven time world champion hurt his neck while testing a German Superbike in Spain in February, and Ferrari cautioned last Wednesday that Schumacher's return will only be confirmed after a round of intense training and medical checks.
Schumacher, 40, was hospitalized after the Cartagena fall, and it was 100 days before he returned to the saddle of a racing bike.
When he attended a F1 test in early March, moreover, observers said the German was not able to move his neck freely.
After his nearly 70 laps in a 2007 Ferrari last Friday, Schumacher said on his official website michael-schumacher.de this week that "my neck pinches a bit".
"We have to get a grip on that as health has priority — that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too," he added.
Now, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm has told German television ZDF: "It is not quite certain yet that his neck will hold and the comeback can be started," adding that whether Schumacher will race at Valencia "depends on medical investigations".
His manager Willi Weber said those checks will take place next week.
08/04/09 Michael Schumacher says a neck injury is giving him concern ahead of his planned Formula One return later this month.
"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," Schumacher said. "I have already lost three kilograms, even if it is also important for me to build up muscles.
"All in all, the training is going pretty well, although I have to admit my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority. That's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife (Corinna) too."
"I really would like to thank all my fans who are keeping their fingers crossed for my plans and for all the positive feedback," Schumacher added.
"It's incredible how much support I have been getting from all over the world. It feels as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me. I accepted the challenge and as you all know I love challenges. It seems as if my fans love them too."