Rivals rule out a test run for Schumacher

London: Michael Schumacher's comeback - like much of his career - was shrouded in controversy yesterday when Ferrari's request to win him favourable treatment was rejected by three rival teams.

With in-season testing banned, Ferrari had asked for an exemption before Schumacher drives their car at the European Grand Prix on August 23.

They required the unanimous backing of the grid before going to the FIA for final approval, which was likely to be forthcoming. But Williams, Red Bull and sister team Toro Rosso have blackballed the plan.

Ferrari, who indicated they will let the matter rest there, believed they had special grounds: the freak injury to Felipe Massa in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix 10 days ago and Schumacher's three years in retirement.

But the Red Bull teams and Williams believe Schumacher is no less deserving than Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, 19, who made his debut in Hungary despite having only driven an F1 car in straight-line testing.

Dietrich Materschitz, who owns Red Bull and Toro Rosso, said: "We asked for permission for a test for Alguersuari and it was turned down. So why should we approve an exemption for a seven-time world champion?"

It is incredible any team acquiesced to something clearly against their competitive interests - that they did owes much to the unity forged in their struggles against the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone over the sport's future.

Schumacher did conduct a private test of the 2007 Ferrari last week with no ill effects, dispelling fears he might struggle with his neck after falling off a motorcycle in February.

Massa left hospital in Budapest yesterday, saying he has no recollection of the horrific accident which almost cost him his life.

Before flying back to Brazil to continue his recuperation, he said: "They told me that I lost consciousness at the moment the spring [from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car] impacted on my helmet. It's a blank."