Schu: neck injury has recovered

Michael Schumacher has claimed he is now fully recovered from the motorcycle accident which scuppered his Formula One comeback last season.

Schumacher was due to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa last year, but had to pull out after concerns over his neck injury. The seven-time world champion has since signed for Mercedes. He said last week’s three-day GP2 test day at Jerez revealed no injury or fitness concerns.

Pics from Schumacher's GP2 development test

"The after-effects of that accident are gone. That's why I was sure that the neck would not cause any problems," he said on his official website. "This was one year ago, that's over.

"I have been practising since December physically very carefully and feel extremely fresh and fit. That was one of the reasons why I felt so good in the car in Jerez.

"But then, Formula 1 is another thing, the g-forces are higher, that's not really comparable. That is why I look forward so much to testing in February. Only then the old feeling will be completely back. I can't wait to be back there."

Schumacher also said he is more motivated to win another world championship now than he was in the seasons before he retired.

"After my retirement at the end of 2006 I was very happy. I felt relief, just like freedom," he said.

"I enjoyed that feeling because especially in the last two years F1 had demanded a great deal from me - not the racing, that I loved during all the time, but all those things which relate to living under constant observation. It did me extremely well to be quiet for those three years.

"It really is as if my batteries were fully loaded. My energy is back completely. I really notice how the prickle is coming, how motivated I am because I so much look forward to this competition. It is about time to start this whole thing."