A Retired Guy Goes Fastest In Testing

Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher returned to the seat of a Ferrari F1 car for the first proper session since his retirement following the 2006 season.

Schumacher made his return and quickly established that a one year absence has done little to stiffle his talent as a world class driver. He set the fastest time of the day in the F2007.

The German served to test the new regulations which ban traction control and debut a new electronic control system. When Schu began his career the cars featured fewer electronic gizmos to aid drivers on track.

Schumacher has no plans to return to F1 in any capacity beyond this test.

Barcelona hosts the teams this week and many new faces got behind the wheel. Toro Rosso welcomed Sebastian Bourdais, fresh off of a fourth Champ Car title.

GP2 drivers Zuber, Chandhok, and Rodriguez put their stamp on the field but failed to compete with the front runners on the time sheet.

Michael Schumacher To Test For Ferrari

Just weeks after taking the F2007 out at Fiorano to impress members of the Fiat board of directors, Ferrari have announced seven time world champion Michael Schumacher's return to the track for winter testing in Barcelona.

38 year old Schumacher retired following the end of the 2006 season and has kept a low profile since. From time to time Schu attended races in the '07 season as a technical advisor to Ferrari, but this stint marks the first time that he will return to the driver's role for testing next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Schumacher holds the distinction as the most succesful driver in F1 history with 91 wins, many coming from a time when electronic driver's aides were not as prevelant. For '08 on, traction control will be removed from the cars and Schumacher's skill in this situation should prove useful.

Ralf To Leave Toyota

Ralf Schumacher announced his departure from the Panasonic Toyota F1 team following the conclusion of the 2007 season. The German declared his intentions via his personal website today.

Schumacher spent the last three seasons in an uphill battle of development at the Japanese team after leaving Williams in 2005.

Speculation of Toyota's plans to renew Schumacher's contract have swirled all season and his departure means the team have narrowed the field of likely candidates.

Rumors link several drivers to the open seat including recently crowned GP2 champion Timo Glock and rookie Spyker youngster Adrian Sutil.

Ralf will announce his plans for 2008 following the final race of the season at Interlagos, Brazil.