Schumacher Shows He Still Has What it Takes in F1 Trials

Published : February 03, 2010 :: 13:02:52 [ 1,671 views ]

German racing legend, Michael Schumacher finally returned to the track yesterday as F1 testing for the upcoming Formula One season commenced in Valencia.

Valencia, the 2nd of February 2010 [PDN]: Creating somewhat of a media circus at an otherwise low key event, Schumacher took the wheel of his Mercedes F1 car for test trials in Valencia. The former F1 champion did not disappoint the gathered press and fans, posting the third fastest time of the day.

After several hours of testing by the various teams and drivers, eager fans got their first glance of the 41 year old Schumacher behind the wheel of a Formula One car in more than three years. Once he ran the car in he managed to post a time almost an entire second faster the teammate Nico Rosberg, the third faster time for the day. Although, not too much can be read from the results, as each team were testing their cars with differing fuel loads and specifications.

Schumacher seemed elated in his return to the cockpit, stating: “I was shocked in the first lap and I was extremely excited in the second.” Schumacher further admitted that he felt very odd racing against the Ferrari outfit for who he won 6 championship titles with before retiring in 2006. Felipe Massa, in the Ferrari, managed the fast lap time of the day, a mere 0.3 of a second faster than Schumacher.

McLaren also sent out their new car for the season, however; it was test driver, Gary Paffett behind the wheel rather than reigning champ Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton. Testing will be completed over the next three days in preparation for the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14.

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