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Michael Schumacher has began preparations for his return to Formula One at the European Grand Prix next month, getting round the current test ban by driving an old F1 car.

The seven-time world champion will replace Felipe Massa in the Valencia race, following the Brazilian's accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend.

Schumacher, 40, travelled to Ferrari's factory in Maranello yesterday, where he used the team's simulator to learn about the cockpit controls of the latest car...Read the full article

The headline is a bit misleading isn't it? He isn't "testing" new cars. He's getting himself into form. Of course they may slip in a couple of laps with the new car during his test sessions...

 unsuprising really, he was always going to be driving an f1 car before he began racing again, would be stupid not to.

 

 

"There is this test ban in Formula One, therefore I contacted some of the guys from F1 Clienti if they could give me a car,"

I bet they jumped at the chance.  Schumacher testing before his return will (unless he bins the car) increase the value of the car probably two fold.

I can't believe Ferrari won't "disguise" a current car so that he gets to grips with the KERS system and reduced aerodynamics.

 Driving the 2007 racer is not flaunting the testing ban.

I'm glad to hear that Filipe is making a rapid recovery.

 I'm also looking forward to Michael Schumacher racing an unfamiliar car on an unfamiliar circuit, to him. He wouldn't be doing it, if he thought he'd end up with "egg on his face."

Valencia will certainly be tough, but can't wait to see him back in action at Spa and Monza.

Theoretically, he could still win the championship... ;)

 

How old is he now? I bet his reflexes wont be as good ;-)

disco.stu:

Valencia will certainly be tough, but can't wait to see him back in action at Spa and Monza.

The way Felipe is recovering (He goes home to Brazil on Monday, according to Autosport) Shumacher will only get to race at Valencia

 I think Felipe be back for Monza, imagine the reception he'll get!

Richard H:

 I think Felipe be back for Monza, imagine the reception he'll get!

On the one hand, if he does return early, I'll obviously be very happy that Massa's recovered quickly (and that is the most important thing), but it will be devastating to have been robbed of the opportunity to see Schumacher continue further into the championship. I imagine that in five year's time He will still be more than a match for most of the drivers currently on the grid.

This is a no-lose situation for Schumacher. There is no question of his greatness, and it's a testament to his supremacy that he is being invited back into F1 at 40; despite the fact that the sport is now reaching the limits of the human body's physical capacity.

Ideally, Schumacher will compare well to Raikkonen, and even if Massa does then come back early, he could conceivably find himself in the same partnership as Ferrari had 2006. This is still like a blooming dream for me.

Broom Broom:

... he could conceivably find himself in the same partnership as Ferrari had 2006. This is still like a blooming dream for me.

In 2006.

According to BBC FOTA have agreed for a 1-day test in the F60 while FIA have yet to sanction it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8178345.stm

 I hope Schumi stays driving for the rest of the season, gotta see him race in Japan.