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Schumacher F1 comeback continues with GP2 tests
Former world champion is honing his skills before getting behind the wheel of his Mercedes
Michael Schumacher has climbed behind the wheel of a single-seater racing car for the first time since signing up with Mercedes as preparations his Formula 1 comeback continue.
The German driver has been getting to grips with a GP2 development car in Spain ahead of Formula 1 testing, which begins next month. GP2 is F1's feeder series and Schumacher has been given special permission to drive the latest GP2 Series model which will be used from 2011.
The three days of testing began in Jerez on Tuesday in cold and windy conditions. It is thought to be the first time the seven-time F1 world champion has piloted one of the vehicles, which are built to strict design rules and are around six seconds a lap slower than F1 machines.
Both parties are set to benefit from the agreement. GP2 organiser Bruno Michel said: "Michael's input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season."
Current FIA rules prevent drivers from trying out their new machines until official testing begins next month, so the tests also give Schumacher the chance to get used to racing again.
When he does finally get the chance to drive the 2010 Mercedes next month it will be the first time he has driven an up-to-date Formula 1 car since 2006. Since then he has relied on kart and motorbike racing to maintain his skills.
Last year he came close to a comeback for Ferrari but was only allowed to drive the 2007 F1 car, rather than the 2009 model because of a ban on in-season testing. Even the 2007 vehicle proved to much for him and he was forced to abandon his comeback because of a neck injury.
Schumacher has now been passed fit and should be able to withstand the physical demands of driving the Mercedes model next month.
The 41-year-old German has also visited the Mercedes team base in England and declared himself impressed with the set up. "I am extremely positive and surprised about how motivated everybody was," he said.
He also revealed that there were other benefits in working for a German team. "What I also liked was that you hear a lot of people speaking German there," said Schumacher, who has spent the last 13 years with Italian manufacturer Ferrari. ·
