Aug.5 (GMM) Luca di Montezemolo has revealed that, even before Felipe Massa's crash, he was already planning to ask Michael Schumacher to return soon to formula one.



The Ferrari president told Italy's Oggi magazine: "I had been thinking for a long time of a third car for Michael."



Montezemolo said he therefore "immediately thought about" the 40-year-old German when he knew Brazilian Massa would need to be replaced at forthcoming races this season.



Montezemolo said Schumacher agreed immediately when asked to step in for the injured Massa, but F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he was surprised to hear the good news.



"I think I was as surprised as his manager Willi Weber," the F1 chief executive said.