Former Formula One world champion and Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher of Germany signs autographs as he arrives at Albert Park race track for the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne March 29, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    ROME, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Formula One team Ferrari announced Wednesday that Michael Schumacher could be back on track to replace injured driver Felipe Massa if the seven times world champion passes a fitness test.

    "Ferrari intends to entrust Michael Schumacher with Felipe Massa's car for as long as the Brazilian driver is not able to race," read a statement of the Italian team.

Graphics shows M. Schumacher backs to F1 from retirement, Formula One team Ferrari announced on July 29, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Photo Gallery>>>

    "I talked on the telephone with (team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (Ferrari president) Luca de Montezemolo this afternoon and we decided jointly that I'll start preparing to jump in for Felipe," he told his website Wednesday.

    The 40-year-old German, who retired from F1 at the end of 2006, could make his comeback in next month's race in Valencia, Spain, which is a street circuit having been added to the calendar only last season.

    "Michael Schumacher has shown his willingness and in the next few days he will undergo a specific program of preparation at the end of which it will be possible to confirm his participation in the championship starting with the European Grand Prix on Aug. 23."

    The F1 reigning champions' driver Brazilian Massa fractured his skull in an accident at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Profile: Michael Schumacher facts