Ralf hails Michael's return as great

Seven-time champion Schumacher is to replace the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari from next month's European Grand Prix at Valencia.

The 40-year-old retired from Formula 1 racing at the end of 2006, and he last tested grand prix machinery in 2008.

The Valencia circuit will be a new challenge for the German, who has never driven there before.

Schumacher will race alongside Kimi Raikkonen, and will also be on track with world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has never raced the German before.

Ralf said his brother's return is great news for Formula 1.

"He was itching to come back. But no one expected that," Ralf told German television network N-24. "After all the bad headlines on the sport recently this is absolutely great.

"Nothing better could have happened for Formula 1 than my brother coming back."

The shock return has elated German newspapers, who on Thursday hailed Schumacher's comeback.

"The God of racing has come back. The legend will drive again," read Bild newspaper's headline.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport also celebrated Schumacher's return with the headline: "It's Schumacher turn!" on its front page.