Schumacher was surprised to be so fast

Michael Schumacher said he surprised himself with his speed during the first day of testing in Barcelona, where the German shone brightly.

The seven-time world champion has rediscovered the action and sensations of driving a Formula 1 single-seater. It’s a first since the announcement of his retirement, or at least on a track for an official event. Moreover, he finished the day ahead of the 19 other drivers involved on the same day.

« It took me a little time, maybe two laps, and then I was back in the throat, » Schumacher said to the press on Wednesday, as after his performance the day before, no journalist had seen him…

« And I must say that I surprised myself by being so quick again, » he added.

Schumacher, who had done only a handful of laps with Ferrari in a F2007 before the tests, admitted he had been nervous a few hours before his return to a F1 seat.

d) I was a bit nervous. I reacted like a little boy, I felt like I was back in a time when I was no older than 18 … Being on the track is always a very good feeling. »

Schumacher achieved feats without traction control and said that driving was much more enjoyable before the system was allowed in 2001.

« The situation is worse when traction control is present. Today, the feeling I had was different. Simply because nowadays you have different engines compared to a certain time, » concluded Michael Schumacher.