Schu admits test action unlikely in ’09

Michael Schumacher

(GMM) Michael Schumacher has conceded that F1's newly-imposed in-season testing ban will probably mean less or no running for him in 2009.

The seven time world champion remains an advisor to the Ferrari team and also an occasional test driver, appearing in the F2008 on a number of occasions last year.

But not only will the in-season moratorium see him sidelined, the 40-year-old German said the race drivers will want to be on duty for the remaining tests of the current winter period.

"These next weeks and tests are now for preparation of the entire season," he told Germany's Express.

Schumacher, despite his vast experience with slick tires, said he assumed the test drivers, including himself, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene, will have to defer to racers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa.

"At the moment we are just discussing whether Ferrari sees it the same way," he explained.

Schumacher, however, said he will not be bored in 2009, revealing he will contest the German superbike championship because two-wheeled racing is his "new passion".