Schumacher says no 'glory run' lap

The seven-time world champion took over from a downbeat Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes MGP W02 today, setting some quick times in the morning.

Schumacher admitted that the team ran on the super soft tyres, but he refuted suggestions that his quickest lap was set on a low-fuel run.

"We were focusing on long runs yesterday, and that was the same today," Schumacher told reporters in Jerez. "But today we tried the very soft tyres.

"Obviously that makes us a little bit quicker than some teams that have not tried those tyres. Saying this, we were not the only ones using them. They are available to everybody.

"If I'm correct, my fastest lap came at the start of a 10 lap run. I don't know if that is short - you may interpret it how you want."

The 42-year-old also played down the significance of his team-mate's mood after Rosberg had a difficult first day at the test yesterday.

"I think Nico didn't have a good day, the car wasn't running properly," he added. "I'm sure if he runs the car on the last day he will be more happy.

"I'm not too worried. I'm on the inside, I understand exactly what is going on. I wasn't worried in Valencia, and I'm not worried so far here.

"We had a satisfying day. We had good reliability, and it's important for us to do the mileage and to get the car reliable."