Givrins, Switzerland - Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has called off a planned start this weekend in the German superbike series, saying he was still feeling the effects of a crash two months ago.

The record seven-time F1 champion was due to compete in the first race of the German IDM series at the Lausitzring in eastern Germany.

"Unfortunately I have had to call it off because I am not yet ready," he told German Press Agency dpa in Givrins, Switzerland.

Melbourne - Ferrari will be calling on the experience of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher for the start of the Formula One season.

For the first time since his retirement at the end of the 2006 season, Schumacher will be with his former team for the season's start in Melbourne on Sunday.

The 40-year-old German will also be acting as an adviser for the following week's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Cartegena (Spain), Feb. 12 : Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to hospital overnight after crashing during super bike testing at a race track in the Spanish city of Cartagena.

The Daily Telegraph quoted local officials as saying that the 40-year-old had broken two ribs, complained of pains in his neck and wrist and was unconscious for several minutes after the accident.

The newspaper said Schumacher underwent a brain scan "which ruled out serious injuries despite the strong impact his head had against the ground.''''

San Jose, Costa Rica  - Former German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher was shocked and concerned over the extent of the damaged caused by last week's earthquake in Costa Rica.

The seven-times Formula One champion visited the region around Poas volcano, which were hit hardest together with Costa Rican Transport Minister Karla Gonzalez.

Schumacher is visiting the Central American state for a campaign to promote road safety.

London  - Drastic cost-cutting measures in Formula One racing won't change the pecking order in the sport, record world champion Michael Schumacher believes.

Schumacher said the savings were necessary amid the global recession which also affects him in the form of less tests at Ferrari than originally planned.

But the German said at the Race of Champions on the weekend in London's Wembley Stadium that the famed Italian team, along with McLaren-Mercedes and others, will dominate the sport again in 2009.

"The top teams will remain the top teams because they normally have the better personnel," Schumacher said.

London, Nov 5 : Michael Schumacher has congratulated Lewis Hamilton on becoming Formula One world champion - after being “overwhelmed” by Sunday’s thrilling title decider in Brazil.

Hamilton left it desperately late before capturing the crown by a point from Felipe Massa.

“What a finale!” said seven times former world champion Schumacher, now a Ferrari advisor.

“I’m still overwhelmed from the race. I have never seen anything like this, not as a racer and not as a spectator - you can probably only say it was fate. I congratulate Lewis Hamilton,” The Sun quoted him, as saying.