Schumacher recovers after successful leg operation

WORLD CHAMPION Michael Schumacher is recovering at home in Switzerland after a successful operation to remove a 30-centimeter metal pin from his right leg.

The Ferrari driver underwent the 25-minute operation at a hospital in Geneva on Wednesday as surgeons removed the metal pin that was inserted after the German broke his leg at the British Grand Prix in July 1999.

"I will have to rest for a few days and be careful that I don't strain my leg," Schumacher said.

Schumacher will recuperate for the remainder of the year and has not set a date for a return to the cockpit. He is expected to be ready to join team-mates Rubens Barrichello and Luca Badoer for testing in January.