Hamburg, July 30 (DPA) Michael Schumacher needs a new Formula One driving licence if he is to race for Ferrari as Felipe Massa's replacement in next month's European Grand Prix in Valencia, motorsport's ruling body FIA Thursday said.

Seven-time world champion Schumacher last raced in F1 at the Brazilian GP, Oct 22, 2006 but according to an FIA spokesperson, an F1 licence automatically runs out at the end of each year.

However, FIA regulations stipulate that a licence can be issued in exceptional circumstances.

Article 5 of Appendix L states that a driver can be issued a licence if he has competed in a minimum of 15 races in the previous three years. Schumacher would fulfill this requirement as the 40-year-old was in the Ferrari cockpit for all 18 races in the 2006 season.

Applications for a new licence will have to be made to the Italian motorsport federation at least 14 days before the European GP, Aug 23.