Schumacher begins F1 preparations

Michael Schumacher has been out testing in a GP2 car this week, prior to his Formula One comeback with Mercedes GP.

The seven-times world champion was testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain but the cold and windy conditions that meant his time in the car had to be cut short.

The three-day test gave the German his first opportunity back in a single-seat racing car since a short test with Ferrari last year in a 2007-spec F1 car. It is also understood that he will be helping to develop the 2011/2013 GP2 car.

Since calling off his comeback last year with Ferrari – due to a neck injury – Schumacher has only been able to take part in karting events to hone his driving skills.

The first chance for Schumacher to get behind the wheel of an F1 car will be during testing on 1 Febuary in Valencia but it is not yet known if Schumacher or his team mate Nico Rosberg will be taking part in the first of the pre-season tests.