Schumacher testing old F1 car at Mugello

vectra

Report


Michael Schumacher has began his preparation to return to Formula 1 action at the European Grand Prix next month.

The seven-time world champion will replace Felipe Massa in the Valencia race as the Brazilian continues with his recovery following the accident he suffered at the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend.

Schumacher travelled to Ferrari's factory in Maranello yesterday, where he worked at the static simulator to check the functionality of the steering wheel.

The German has borrowed an F2007 car and he is reported to be testing at the Mugello circuit today since 11am.

Schumacher admitted that he is trying to get as much mileage as possible before his return, even if it means driving old cars.

"There is this test ban in Formula 1, therefore I contacted some of the guys from F1 Clienti if they could give me a car," Schumacher wrote on his website.

"Although those cars are not current or last year's ones, I simply like to drive as much as possible, so this is a good option. The next weeks will be totally on preparation then.

EvilMonkey

Its not a test just a track day in an old Ferrari. :pac:

dragonsgates

Its great news.

He will know himself within the 1st few laps if he still has it.

I was at Melbourne 2000 and I would love to see him in Spa.

Sure he has a few of his own F1 cars anyway.

SIDE NOTE

Lightning: I am doing the Intermediate course at your place next month. Will look you up if thats cool.

Grim.

any idea what laptimes he was doing iirc Kimi was doing 1.21s there in 07

BoardsRanger

As i stated in the other thread - Schumacher might get to test the 2009 car before valencia. A sporting decision, if true, from FOTA.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/moto...ne/8178345.stm

amacachi

Yup, very strange decision from FOTA, but good to see nonetheless.

vectra

Grim. wrote: »

any idea what laptimes he was doing iirc Kimi was doing 1.21s there in 07

Michael drove 67 laps, the fastest in 1.23.736.

EvilMonkey

Grim. wrote: »

any idea what laptimes he was doing iirc Kimi was doing 1.21s there in 07

67 laps with a best time of 1m23.736s

link

The FIA will still have to agree to a test, assuming Ferrari agree not to put new parts on the car i dont see why it would be a problem given FOTAs acceptance. Will they need an ok from Williams and Force India too?

dam you vectra lol

amacachi

What kind of tyres are they on the car?

EvilMonkey

amacachi wrote: »

What kind of tyres are they on the car?

GP2 slicks.

amacachi

EvilMonkey wrote: »

GP2 slicks.

On a 2007 spec car? Bit hard to judge anything from it so.

EvilMonkey

amacachi wrote: »

On a 2007 spec car? Bit hard to judge anything from it so.

Thats what it says in the ITV article i linked earlier!

I think its more to test him and how much he needs to work on his fitness over the next few weeks.

amacachi

EvilMonkey wrote: »

Thats what it says in the ITV article i linked earlier!

I think its more to test him and how much he needs to work on his fitness over the next few weeks.

Ah yeah, not arguin with ya, just mentioning that it's a bit silly looking at laptimes and that he'll just be seeing how his neck etc. are holding up.

kenon

30 second clip of schumi today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQjw5SGAtGU

vectra

EvilMonkey wrote: »

GP2 slicks.

amacachi wrote: »

On a 2007 spec car? Bit hard to judge anything from it so.

He should have run on grooves first to make a full comparison.

amacachi

vectra wrote: »

He should have run on grooves first to make a full comparison.

Yup, I'm sure that's what they're worried about. :P

biggus

Makes more sense to run on slicks seeing as that what he will be racing on. They're not looking for comparisons they're looking to get him back to speed.

amacachi

biggus wrote: »

Makes more sense to run on slicks seeing as that what he will be racing on. They're not looking for comparisons they're looking to get him back to speed.

Aye but the difference in the compound and grip level between the tyres would be massive.