Michael Schumacher has begun preparations for the new Formula One season by getting behind the wheel of a GP2 car.
The 41-year-old German legend has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes GP this season, having not driven a Formula One racing car for more than three years.
While Schumacher awaits the first of four official pre-season tests next month, he has taken the opportunity to practice in a GP2 car to help to get his eye in.
The private test session, which started today and continues until Thursday, has been approved by the FIA, the sport’s governing body, who are not allowing drivers to try their new Formula One cars until the first official test early next month in Valencia as part of its mission to cut costs.
GP2 Series cars are about six seconds a lap slower than Formula One cars in dry conditions. They are normally driven by Formula One hopefuls on the undercard at grand prix weekends and Schumacher is not thought to have driven one before.
"It is an honour and a privilege for us to have Michael Schumacher help us develop our car," GP2 organiser Bruno Michel, said. "This test will be prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high standards of our Series.
"Michael's input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season."
Norbert Haug. Mercedes' competition boss, says that although the test is a "warm-up", it will not give Schumacher an unfair advantage over his team-mate Nico Rosberg. "I don't see it that way," he said. "And whoever does, can rent a GP2 car for themselves. The GP2 organisation was smart enough to use the situation in their favour."
Source: The times
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