Schu test ‘probably one-off’
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Schumacher at recent Fiorano test by Ferrari |
(GMM) Michael Schumacher's first formula one test since he retired will be for two full days next week, his spokeswoman and a spokesman for Ferrari separately confirmed on Tuesday.
It is reported that the 38-year-old German, who retired as the Italian team's race driver last year but attended several grands prix in 2007 as an advisor, will drive the championship-winning F2007 at the Barcelona group test next week.
The Ferrari spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that Schumacher will drive on Tuesday – the first day of the initial post-season test period – and also Wednesday.
"It's half for pleasure, half for technical reasons," he added, while Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm explained that the seven time world champion has "big experience" of driving without electronic aids like traction control.
But Kehm told the BBC: "It's probably a one-off. Michael does not intend at all to go back to F1."
Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing on Tuesday announced that Indian GP2 driver Karun Chandhok will also test on Tuesday and Wednesday at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya.
The Austrian team said the 23-year-old from Madras is standing in for regular tester Sebastien Buemi, who will be racing in Macau.
"Karun has been supported by Red Bull for a couple of years now and his progress in GP2 this year has been clearly evident, culminating in a win at Spa," said team boss Christian Horner.
"Barcelona presents a good opportunity to put Karun in one of the cars for his first F1 drive," he added.