Schumacher To Test In GP2 Car At Jerez

Michael Schumacher will begin his on-track preparations for his Formula 1 comeback at Jerez on Tuesday having been granted permission by the FIA to test a GP2 car.

Although pre-season F1 testing isn’t permitted to begin for a further three weeks, Mercedes has been keen to get the returning 41-year-old back on track as soon as possible and confirmed on Monday that following the approval of the FIA, the F1 testing committee and the GP2 Series Schumacher would spend three days driving a GP2 development car.

The seven-time champion will drive the in-development 2011-2013 GP2 machine –  which will be introduced into the feeder category in Spring 2011 – with organisers keen to benefit from Schumacher’s renowned technical abilities and feedback.

GP2 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 Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car.”

“The goal of the GP2 Series is to prepare young drivers for Formula 1.”

“This test will prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high-standards and competitiveness of our Series. 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 three-day test will mark the first time Schumacher, who is returning to the sport after three years in retirement, has driven any car close to the performance of an F1 machine since driving a two-year old Ferrari at Mugello in August ahead of his aborted temporary comeback bid to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa.

Although Schumacher was forced to cancel that return due to the lingering neck injuries he sustained in a big motorcycle accident last February, both the 41-year-old and Mercedes have expressed confidence that the injury is now fully healed and he is fully fit to resume his record-breaking career.

Nevertheless, the GP2 run-out will give Schumacher valuable track testing time to build up his race fitness ahead of the first official F1 group test of the pre-season in Valencia on February 1.