Michael Schumacher will make a shock return to Formula 1 to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.
The seven-time world champion, 40, retired at the end of 2006 but has agreed to drive at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on 23 August.
Massa fractured his skull in Hungarian GP qualifying and may be out for the rest of the year.
Schumacher, who is a Ferrari advisor said; "For team loyalty reasons I can't ignore this unfortunate situation."
His spokesman Sabine Kehm told the BBC on Tuesday that although Schumacher was not willing to make a full-time return to F1 he would not rule out standing in for Massa.
Now, the German racing legend has decided to come out of retirement and make a sensational return despite admitting: "It is true that the Formula 1 chapter has long been closed for me.
"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again.
"This afternoon I met with team principal Stefano Domenicali and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.
"As the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."
The German racing legend has not driven an F1 car since April 2008 and now has just over three weeks to prepare himself for Valencia.
The ban on in-season testing means Schumacher will not be able to turn a wheel of the 2009 specification Ferrari before first practice on Friday 21 August.
However, the team have chosen Schumacher ahead of test drivers Marc Gene and Luca Badoer to drive for Ferrari whilst Massa continues to recuperate.
"Ferrari intends to entrust Michael Schumacher with Felipe Massa's car for as long as the Brazilian driver is not able to race," a statement said.
"Michael Schumacher has shown his willingness and in the next few days he will undergo a specific programme of preparation at the end of which it will be possible to confirm his participation in the championship starting with the European Grand Prix."
Schumacher will undergo an intensive training programme to determine whether he is fit enough to return to the rigours of F1 racing.
Since retiring the German has occasionally taken part in motorcycle events but in February he suffered neck and back injuries in a bike accident.
Those injuries could affect his ability to drive an F1 car which places huge pressures on the neck because of the varying G-forces.
By Adam Feneley
Motorsport Engineering
www.motorsportengineering.blogspot.com
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