Schumacher gets surprise Ducati test opportunity

Michael Schumacher on the Ducati

A private Ducati test session at the Mugello circuit in Italy saw seven time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher get a surprise opportunity to test the Ducati Desmosedici GP8 MotoGP bike on Thursday.

After a crash for regular Ducati test rider Vittoriano Guareschi, which left him in discomfort but not seriously injured after a blow to the coccyx, the Ducati Corse Development Team allowed Schumacher to undertake a sustained period of testing, which saw him back on the Desmosedici following a ride in Valencia after the last race of the 2007 MotoGP season in November.

In cool temperatures and under cloudy skies, Schumacher, who took part in a motorcycle race at Misano last weekend, completed 42 test laps of Mugello with a best time of around 1'58, at a track where the best lap in a MotoGP race is just over the 1’50 mark.

Schumacher commented, `It was a nice surprise yesterday when I received the sudden offer to come to Mugello today and despite the difficult weather conditions it was again big fun to ride the Ducati. But I repeat very clearly that I have no intention at all to step into any kind of MotoGP competition.´