Rain disrupts Schumacher's GP2 test
It is yet to be confirmed when Schumacher will test the Mercedes Petronas RB1 for the first time
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Tuesday, 12, Jan 2010 01:43
By Adam Leveridge
Although Michael Schumacher's test in a 2009-spec GP2 car in Jerez on Tuesday was disrupted by rainfall, the seven-time world champion still feels he has benefited from the on-track experience.
In December it was announced that the German would be making a sensational comeback to the cockpit of an F1 car with Mercedes GP, the team formerly known as Brawn GP.
While Schumacher has commenced a demanding training regime in order to get back into shape before making his debut at the 2010 season opener in Bahrain in March, the 40-year-old has only completed limited running in a 2007-spec Ferrari at the Fiorano circuit in Italy since his retirement in 2006.
To ease himself back into piloting a modern F1 car, Schumacher completed some development testing of a GP2 car in Jerez - just weeks before official testing starts in Valencia - and although his day was hampered by the weather, the seven-time world champion believes his time in the car was still worthwhile.
"Today was good because I could drive a car that comes quite close to a current F1 car," said Schumacher.
"Despite the weather not being as good as we would have liked, all my senses were nevertheless on full alert - this alone was worth it.
"Unfortunately it was always just too wet to go out with slicks. I tried them twice but had to go back to the pits immediately.
"But I still gained a lot from being here because, even if you can't reach F1-level g-forces, you're still able to practice communicating with the engineers and responding while on the limit. Fortunately it all came flooding back to me.
"I felt comfortable out on the track from the very beginning and naturally I'd like to thank our team and the GP2 Series for the opportunity."
Before the three-day test began, GP2 Series organiser Bruno Michel said: "Today's test marks a milestone for the GP2 series.
"It is an honour and a privilege for us to have seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car.
"Michael's input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season."
The German was due to return to grand prix racing last year as a replacement for Felipe Massa, who was unable to continue racing after suffering serious head injuries in a high-speed accident during qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix.
However, Schumacher's plans were brought to an abrupt halt when medical checks revealed a lingering neck injury picked up in a motorbike test in February had not healed sufficiently to cope with the demands of driving an F1 car.