Can Ferrari run fast with old Schu?

Little did Rubens Barichello know thatthe deadly missile in the shape of an errant tiny spring that ejected from hiscar and injured Massa would eventually spring a bigger surprise! Schumacher'sannouncement of participation has created the expected buzz. It'snot that he was forgotten by the F1 fraternity even for a bit. Comparisons areconstantly being made of drivers such as Vettel to him. His dominance of thesport before he quit has made him the benchmark and even the extremely talenteddrivers have to endure the agony of being measured against him. Schumi washowever not the most popular driver to have graced the F1 pit. Hisruthless and single minded manner with which he went about demolishing hisopponents did ruffle quite a few feathers. Ruffle a few more he will. Kimi'swill be the first!F1 is struggling to hold its own due to the myriadof problems that it faces and Schumi's return, although temporary, willunfortunately divert attention from core issues. The new calamity that has hitF1 is in the shape of the exit of BMW. Their poor performance iscertainly one of the reasons for their early exit from the sport. BMW is facingstiff competition from Audi etc as is and any image of being a straggler in F1does go against the branding of a manufacturer whose USP is 'performance'. It isimperative that the team is sold to a buyer who will continue racing and not gothe Super Aguri way. FIA's stance that the German auto major hasquit because of funding is lame. It is only trying to enforce the budget cap andwill offer any weak excuse to strengthen their case!The upside ofthe German ace's re-entry into F1 is that the increased TRP ratings will helpfill the coffers of the FOA and also for teams at the end of the year. I thinkthat one should consider attaching a halo on Schumi the saviour's helmet!The hordes that deserted F1 after his departure are coming backundoubtedly. They need not be die-hard F1 fans but that's not the point.Ferrari's sagging image will get a makeover too. I wonder if Jean Todt, theex-Ferrari racing chief, has anything to do with Schumi's return.With him being a strong contender for the FIA head honcho post anysuch contributions will certainly help his cause.I wonder what isgoing through Massa's head now. Schumi stole the limelight when he was his teammate and now he has stolen his car itself! Will Schumi put in a sterlingperformance and show Massa in poor light? The Brazilian already hasa headache and can do without another. Massa should thank his stars that he isalive unlike the unfortunate Henry Surtees. Freak accidents willcontinue haunting racing drivers and the specter of death is always lurkingaround the corner. F1 drivers should realise that they have to be ready to bleedor break a limb or two to earn their astronomical salaries. After all this is ahigh risk, high return game.