Ferrari have ended speculation that Michael Schumacher might be making a return to formula one this season.
The seven-time world champion was due to step-in for the injured Felipe Massa from the European grand prix in Valencia until the Brazilian was deemed fit enough to make a return to the sport.
But Schumacher was forced to scrap his plans because of a neck injury he suffered during a superbike test in Spain earlier in the year.
Since his announcement, there has been speculation that the German might step into Massa's seat at Ferrari later in the year, once his injury has had more time to recover.
However, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicalli has confirmed that Schumacher will not appear in the car this year.
He said: 'I'm happy he is training, but what I can absolutely rule out is that Michael can return this year as a racing driver.'
Domenicalli believes it would've been tough for Schumacher after such a long absence, but he insists that Schumacher would have performed well at the European grand prix in Valencia.
'It would have been tough for Michael too, because it's a difficult track and it's new,' Domenicalli continued.
'Obviously his approach is always aggressive. Would he have done well? I really think so, because he wouldn't have gone for it if he wasn't confident.
'As for how well, I'd be dishonest: I don't know. However, he would certainly have done well.'
The seven-time world champion was due to step-in for the injured Felipe Massa from the European grand prix in Valencia until the Brazilian was deemed fit enough to make a return to the sport.
But Schumacher was forced to scrap his plans because of a neck injury he suffered during a superbike test in Spain earlier in the year.
Since his announcement, there has been speculation that the German might step into Massa's seat at Ferrari later in the year, once his injury has had more time to recover.
However, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicalli has confirmed that Schumacher will not appear in the car this year.
He said: 'I'm happy he is training, but what I can absolutely rule out is that Michael can return this year as a racing driver.'
Domenicalli believes it would've been tough for Schumacher after such a long absence, but he insists that Schumacher would have performed well at the European grand prix in Valencia.
'It would have been tough for Michael too, because it's a difficult track and it's new,' Domenicalli continued.
'Obviously his approach is always aggressive. Would he have done well? I really think so, because he wouldn't have gone for it if he wasn't confident.
'As for how well, I'd be dishonest: I don't know. However, he would certainly have done well.'
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