• Mercedes News

Schumacher to test GP2 car

Schumacher will up his F1 preparations by testing a GP2 car © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

In preparation for his Formula One return Michael Schumacher will test a GP2 car this week at Jerez in Spain.

Despite the current F1 testing ban, the FIA have approved the outing which will take place between Tuesday and Thursday this week. Schumacher hasn't driven a high-powered single seater since testing a two-year-old Ferrari F1 car ahead of his aborted return to the sport last season. He is now set to make a comeback with Mercedes and visited the factory last week to check on his new team's preparations. As well as getting crucial track time in the GP2 car, he will also help to develop it for the 2011 championship when a major update is due.

"It is an honour and a privilege for us to have seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car," GP2 boss Bruno Michel said. "The goal of the GP2 Series is to prepare young drivers for Formula One. This test will prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high standards and competitiveness of our series. Michael's input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season."

Schumacher also revealed this week that he negotiated his new contract at Mercedes without the help of his long-term manager Willi Weber. In doing so he is expected to have saved around €700,000 (US$1 million) by not paying Weber's usual 10% commission.

"I am now old enough to take care of a few things for myself," Schumacher said, before adding that Weber is still his manager. Weber is believed to be working on personal contract deals that, so far, are estimated to have quadrupled Schumacher's €7 million (US$10 million) retainer from Mercedes.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.