Schumacher back up to speed
Injured Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher got back behind the wheel of his Ferrari this morning, immediately matching the pace set by team-mate Eddie Irvine.
The German has not driven a Formula One car since July 11 at Silverstone, where he crashed and broke his right leg.
He completed 18 laps in his Ferrari at the Mugello track in Rome, recording the quickest time of 1.28.680.
A spokesman for the Maranello-based team confirmed that Irvine had not been able to go any faster than Schumacher, instead he recorded an identical time.
Schumacher will continue testing this afternoon, alongside Irvine and his stand-in Mika Salo.
With his blistering pace, it looks increasingly likely that the double world champion will return to the cockpit of his Ferrari in time for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa next weekend.
Schumacher could still be in with a chance of the championship if he returns next weekend.
He currently lies 22 points behind Hakkinen, and 24 points behind Irvine, with five races left in this year's championship.
If McLaren suffer more reliability problems, Schumacher could find himself back in the title chase.
Share Or Save This Story
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 1990s
Schumacher's rise: World Sportscar Championship watchalong with Anthony Davidson
The key moments in Renault's F1 history as it bids farewell
Marquez baffled by “massive” tyre drop in British GP sprint
MotoGP British GP: Martin leads Aprilia domination in sprint
BTCC Knockhill: Morgan claims qualifying race win for Plato team
MotoGP British GP: Martin on pole with Marquez only sixth
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments