Michael Schumacher prepares for F1 return
Schumacher was back behind the wheel on Tuesday in preparation for the forthcoming season. (Photo: Rick Dikeman)
As the world waits with baited breath for the return of arguably the greatest Formula One driver of all time, Michael Schumacher was back on the track on Tuesday as he continues his preparation for the forthcoming season.
Schumacher has not driven an F1 car since completing a short test with Ferrari last summer amid speculation that he was set to make a comeback. The move failed to materialise due to a niggling neck injury.
But the German driver signed a one-year deal to drive for Mercedes GP in the 2010 season. With the off-season testing of cars prohibited, Schumacher made the most of the opportunity to steal some vital practice time when he received the offer to take part in some GP2 testing.
GP2 is the feeder series for Formula One and it allowed the seven-time world champion to get behind the wheel of a single seat racing car for the first time since rumours of the star replacing Felipe Massa emerged last summer.
Unfortunately, testing was cut short by poor weather conditions in Jerez, but the 41-year-old remained in positive mood.
“All my senses were on full alert - this alone was worth it”, he said.
He added: “I felt comfortable out on track from the very beginning, the day was especially good because, after a long time, I could drive again in a car that comes close to a current Formula 1 car.”
Schumacher will begin pre-season testing on February 1 in Valencia.
