Schumacher is 'absolutely frustrated'

Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber says the seven-time world champion was "absolutely frustrated" after having to cancel his Formula 1 comeback

Schumacher was set to replace the injured Felipe Massa at this weekend's European Grand Prix, but the German was forced to scrap the plans due to problems with his neck.

Weber admitted the setback was tough for Schumacher and himself.

"It's absolutely frustrating for him and for me because we were so happy with the situation. I'm very sad things come up like this and to be here and not to see him in the car," Weber told the BBC.

Weber also insisted it is very unlikely Schumacher will manage to return at a later date.

"I don't know if you were in the press conference in Geneva. He said very clearly that it is a process of time, the healing process takes time. And we don't know if it takes three, four, five or six months. Then the season will be over anyhow," he added.

"He said very clearly that he is still taking his work-out to stay in a good shape. But he wants to go motorcycling and karting, and he has other problems at the moment."

Weber praised the job done by Luca Badoer so far, despite the Italian struggling to make an impression at Valencia.

"I think Luca does a very good job. I mean when you see that he was not often in this car, he was never driving races here. Until now he has had no accident, no hitting, nothing so he's developing himself. You can see that he is getting quicker and quicker and I think he does a brilliant job until now."