Ecclestone Hopes Ferrari Will Retain Schumacher Longer

One can rarely see a more happy Bernie Ecclestone than the one talking to the media in recent days. It seems nothing serious has happened during the course of last week – say... a certain German manufacturer leaving the sport – to over-worry the 78-year old Brit more than his usual F1 business.

The reason is quite simple. Ferrari's confirmation of Michael Schumacher returning to the sport for the European Grand Prix has made Bernie a happy man. Regardless of BMW's quit or Renault's yet-to-be-finalized suspension, the grandstands at Valencia will most certainly be full to witness one of the greatest comebacks ever.

The news has made Ecclestone so enthusiastic that he reckoned it would be even better is Schu will “drive forever” in Formula One. A metaphor nonetheless, but one that clearly shows Schumacher's great impact in the sport that he left more than 2 years ago.

“Perhaps Ferrari will succeed; I am sure they would like to keep him there. I would be happy if Michael drives for ever. I have often talked to him about coming back. The fitness tests will not be a problem. And if Michael drives, he is fast,” said Ecclestone in an interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

In the meantime, however, Schumacher and Ferrari are still having a hard time convincing the rest of the Formula One teams to allow the 40-year old returnee to conduct some proper testing ahead of the Valencia race. In order for the FIA to agree to this – as in-season testing is currently banned in Formula One – all the teams would have to give their OK within a FOTA meeting.

So far, Williams F1 and Red Bull Racing have already announced they will oppose any tentative of testing for Schu, prior to the European GP.