Schumacher returns in fighting form

It was business as usual for the three-time world title-holder, who made a confident and trouble-free return to the cockpit of his Ferrari at Barcelona today (Tuesday). The German drove an F1 car for the first time in three months and immediately lapped the Circuit de Catalunya on the pace.

"It's nice to be back," said Schumacher. "It's business as usual and it's good to come back at Barcelona because I love the speed circuits. The car is handling very well.

"It is very nice to come back as world champion, but I don't drive around the track thinking about it. I am always here to fight. That's no different to any other year."

The Ferrari number one's return to the track was delayed until after lunch as mechanics checked over Schumacher's car and waited for parts to arrive from Maranello. The team's test driver Luca Badoer suffered an horrific smash at the Spanish track on Sunday, the latest in a recent spate of testing accidents.

Schumacher is convinced the incidents are not linked: "I am very sorry for Luca," he said. "He's been doing a great job for us. Unfortunately these things happen. I only really know about Luca's accident, but I don't think it is anything to do with the change in regulations for 2001."

The German spent much of the day evaluating new tyre compounds for Bridgestone and drove last year's F1-2000 chassis. The 2001 car from Maranello is due to be launched next Monday.

"I haven't seen the new car yet," said a single-minded Schumacher. "All I want is for it to be fast!"