Schumacher begins comeback preparations

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MADRID: Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher Tuesday began his preparations for a return to Formula One by testing a GP2 car in southern Spain.

BACK ON TRACK: A handout image provided by GP2 Media of Schumacher sitting on a GP2 car during tests at the Jerez circuit in Jerez de la Frontera. — AFP photo

BACK ON TRACK: A handout image provided by GP2 Media of Schumacher sitting on a GP2 car during tests at the Jerez circuit in Jerez de la Frontera. — AFP photo

The 41-year-old would take to the track again at the circuit in Jerez yesterday and today, when more rain was forecast, organisers said.

Schumacher stunned Formula One last year by coming out of retirement to sign a three-year, US$30 million deal with Mercedes, a decision expected to spark a surge of interest in the sport in 2010. The German, who retired in October 2006, last tested at Jerez in December, 2007 when he was working for Ferrari.

He launched the three days of testing Tuesday to “help the GP2 technicians for the 2011-2013 season,” the organisers said.

The GP2 cars are close in performance to those of Formula One. — AFP