Schumacher faster than Rosberg on day one

(GMM) Michael Schumacher was quickly back up to speed as his return to formula one got into a high gear at Valencia on Monday.

Getting into the brand new Mercedes W01 after Nico Rosberg's morning session on the opening test day of the pre-season, the 41-year-old wasted no time putting his three-year retirement into the past.

24-year-old Rosberg's best time, in the very same chassis, was 1.13.543 and good enough for third quickest behind the pace setting Ferrari and Sauber cars.

But after just 18 laps, Schumacher – dogged by a sizeable media contingent at the Spanish circuit – recorded a 1.13.498, marginally faster than Rosberg and 7 tenths off Pedro de la Rosa's very best.

Today's Test Times

Pos

Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari 1:12.574 102
2. de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1:12.784 74
3. M.Schumacher Mercedes GP 1:12.947 40
4. Rosberg Mercedes GP 1:13.543 39
5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes 1:13.846 86
6. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:14.449 75
7. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:14.762 18
8. Kubica Renault 1:15.000 69