Michael Schumacher returned to the wheel of a Formula One car on Friday when he tested a 2007 Ferrari in the first step of his comeback.
The seven-times world champion is poised to fill in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on Aug. 23 and will continue to race until the Brazilian is able to return.
The 40-year-old, who retired at the end of 2006, drove 67 laps at the Mugello track near Florence.
"It's a great thing getting back on the track with an F1 even if this was a car from 2007," he said after the session.
"After a couple of laps I was able to drive constant lap times and I'm happy with the performance. Now we've got to see how my body and the muscles respond in the next days."
F1 testing is banned during the season but Schumacher was allowed to drive an old car as he undergoes a programme of preparation to make sure he is fit to race in Valencia.
Media have speculated Formula One bosses will bend the rules and permit him to test this year's car before Valencia given the special circumstances.
Only thing to say now is
MS vs FA vs KR vs LH. Who will Win?
It's really because Schumacher hasn;'t driven in a racing car for a long time. Sure he tested for a day or two, but Alguasuari has been racing in other series' before F1. Schumacher just need to train himself, get fit. Also, since he needs to pass a medical.I don't recall Torro Rosso asking for permission for their new boy to try out the 09 car before he got in it last weekend. Even if he tested pre-season the car has evolved since then and may handle significantly different now.
I have no objection to him getting some laps under his belt, I just don't trust Ferrari to not use the opportunity to help improve their car whilst others cannot.
So you are saYin the 07 car is basically the same as the 09 cars besides a few minor alterations?? Im sorry but are you blind??
Schumacher wil buy a car of Ferrari(for nothing) He will hire a track and then just test for a whole week.
They couldn't say this wouldn't be allowed as Schumacher could just say it was for fun/personal pleasure.
Nothing wrong with that is there