Hamburg, Aug 11 (DPA) Michael Schumacher will not return to Formula One racing due neck problems from a motorbike accident in February, he said on his website Tuesday.

The seven-time world champion Schumacher, 40, was set for a sensational return to take the place of injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa for several races, starting with the European Grand Prix on August 23, in Valencia, Spain.

'Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe,' Schumacher said.

'I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out.

'Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.'

Schumacher said he had fractures in the area of the head and neck in the bike accident and that 'my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula One'.

Massa sustained severe head injuries in a crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest July 25.