Schuey back behind the wheel

The team announced the news after positive results from medical tests, and the former world champion should be winging his way around the Mugello circuit in Rome.

Schumacher broke his leg in the British Grand Prix on 11 July, since when speculation on the date of his return has been furious.

The latest date for his competitive return is put at the Italian Grand in Monza on 12 September, but with him testing now, it is thought Schumacher could be in action at Spa next weekend.

Although the Ferrari team has not given any details on this, an imminent return for the German would encourage the Italian team after the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which Eddie Irvine suffered at the hands of McLaren to finish third, and stand-in Mika Salo was a lowly 12th.

Not only did that result put more pressure on Irvine's world title aspirations, but also brought the constructor's title race down to just four points, with McLaren clearly now in the driving seat.

Schumacher will be testing alongside Salo and Irvine today.