Schumacher kicks off GP2 Development tests

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher returned to a racing machine cockpit today at the wheel of the GP2 Series development car at Jerez for a three-day testing programme that aims at defining technical solutions for the Series’ next generation car which will be introduced in the 2011 season.

In difficult conditions due to heavy rain and wind, the Mercedes GP driver completed 52 laps today. Although the morning session started in dry conditions and under grey skies, the rain soon came and upset the programme of the day. The weather conditions worsened in the afternoon and the session had to stop earlier than scheduled.

Michael Schumacher said: “The day today was good especially because after a long time I could drive again in a car that came almost close to a current Formula 1. Despite the weather not being what we all would have liked all my senses were nevertheless on full alert - this alone was worth it. I felt comfortable out on the track from the very beginning, and naturally I’d like to thank our Team and the GP2 series very much for the opportunity to drive.”

GP2 Series Technical director Didier Perrin said: “It is unfortunate that the weather conditions were far from optimal today. Still, Michael could get a good first taste of our car and has already managed to analyse the performance and behaviour of current car. Tomorrow, we hope for better weather and a dryer track which should allow us to move along with our programme and start working together on set up solutions for 2011.”

The development test session will resume tomorrow morning.