Schumacher shows pace in final GP2 test

Michael Schumacher completed his three-day testing session with a GP2 car on Thursday at the Jerez circuit, where the German came within four tenths of the track record

The seven-time champion had to run again with wet-weather tyres in the morning but was able to use slicks for the remaining part of the session, covering a total of 1,151kms over the three days of the test.

Schumacher's best lap of the day was a 1m24.621s, four tenths slower than the record set by Kamui Kobayashi at the Spanish track in October, 2008.

"I could really drive a lot on this last day of testing and it worked out perfectly," Schumacher said.

"I am very happy with the way testing went here: we worked well, times and consistency were well, we could do everything we had scheduled to do. I feel fit, I felt comfortable immediately back in the car - hey, let's go for it!"

GP2 Series organiser Bruno Michel added: "This has been a fantastic opportunity for the GP2 Series and everyone involved in the competition.

"Michael Schumacher's analysis and feedback was fantastic and the GP2 technical staff who has been working with him this week is positive that what has been learned from this development test will provide us with an even better car in 2011.

"We are very happy that Michael chose our car to get his sensations back at the wheel of a high performance machine and that he stated that it was the closest thing to a current Formula 1 car. He made a few comments comparing the GP2 and the F1 cars notably regarding their handling.

"We are now looking forward the second round of the GP2 Asia Series next month in Abu Dhabi and we would like to wish Michael all the best for his return to Formula 1."