Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1: training with a F2007 race car and GP2 slick tyres
2009 F60 Formula 1 car.
Michael Schumacher is racing in a Formula 1 car again, and the whole world is excited about it. He is a racing legend, and is perceived by many as the ‘best’ Grand Prix driver there is. Schumacher, who has temporarily taken over Massa’s race seat following the Brazilian’s freak accident last weekend in Hungary, is now undergoing extensive training programs to prepare himself for his first race since 2006’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Highlights of his training program would be made up by: physical exercise, driving in a Ferrari simulator and actually driving a real Formula 1 car. All of these have to be cramped within three weeks, since the European Grand Prix at the streets of Valencia happens on August 23rd. With the physical exercise, the 7 times World Champion will focus on his stamina and neck muscles, especially after suffering from a motorcycle crash in February.
2007 F2007 Formula 1 car.
The Formula 1 simulator is an important part of his training. Modern Grand Prix drivers rely on this tool, since it is the next best thing there is, after driving the actual car. Especially these days, when there is a mid-season testing ban, it becomes more important. The simulator offers real-life driving scenarios, with tracks that are developed using laser technology and satellite images. Even the virtual car features real-life driving characteristics, and various scenarios can be added, such as different weather conditions, rain for example. The simulator works like those high quality racing games available out there, although it is definitely better.
The part where the 40-year old has to drive the real car is the most important one. Unfortunately, there is a mid-season testing ban. However, there is a loophole. Schumacher is allowed to drive the F2007 race car, which is the car used for the 2007 championship. The car was not supplied by Ferrari and wasn’t classified a test car. In fact, the car is provided by F1 Clienti, which is a workshop owned by Ferrari, meaning the German is allowed to drive it. Schumacher just concluded his first test yesterday, at the Mugello circuit and the results were positive.
The car is of course outdated and was developed using different rules set by the FIA, but Ferrari fitted slick tires (from a GP2 car) and ran the car. Ferrari has requested permission to use this year’s F60 race car, but has only received the green light from FOTA (Formula One Teams Association). The Prancing Horse is waiting for the FIA’s verdict regarding the matter.
August 1, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Schumi will blast thru all, even using last year’s car! He is THE best in the pack man… Go Prancing Horse, Go Stig!
August 1, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
almak stig again
anyways, M.S respect!! Respect u for your loyalty to ferrari!
U ar a legend!!! Yr character is a role model for people all around the world!!!
All the best M.S!
August 1, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
I dont know whether its part of this training but according to sources, its micheal decision to get hold of a F1 car and familarize himself again with the F1 car…
August 1, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
If Schumi didn’t make that decision, Ferrari would. Just academic and probably made together. It’s actually the right way to go and there really is no other option for him to get up to speed. The big question previously in my mind was tyres. Where would he get slicks. There is none available. So they sourced GP2 slicks. It will have to do then.
F1 suddenly got interesting again.
Now all we need is to put Alex Zanardi in an F1 car. The guy is competitively racing out there, even without 2 legs!
August 1, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
I am definitely interested in F1 again.
It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses……………..his charisma, skills, etc are what F1 is lacking now.
Go Schuey…………………………….. : )
August 1, 2009 @ 6:49 pm
Schumacher wont be the same as before. Not because of his lack of fitness, age or lack of recent experience inthe car.. but he just wont be the same cheater he was years ago.
August 1, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
I didn’t bother knowing who won the last few races in F1 or where it’s going to be held next, in other words, absolutely no interest whatsoever. But now, F1 is alive again.
August 1, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
True RULERED. F1 is alive again!!
Hoping MIKA HAKKINEN will also make a come back to F1… LOLZ
August 1, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
I personally see it difficult for M.S. to win races in F1 this year. Basically, the team is different. Winning F1 is all about team work too.
However, just seeing him drive, is already selling tickets for the next coming races! This is more of a marketing plot in my view. However, its exciting to see him back!
August 1, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
seem like schumi is the savior of dying F1 right when it was about to go kaput.
August 1, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
I have never liked schumi becoz of his bad sportsmanship but ever since he retired I find F1 to b very boring. Now m very keen to watch him back in action
August 1, 2009 @ 9:16 pm
I want to bet…
Kimi Räikkönen will beat, defeat the old horse Michael Schumacher in the next race.. you all just wait and see la
August 1, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
We all need entertainment , to all the teams bring out your best and may the best driver and car of the day wins .We all pay big money for F1 tickets so see ya at the next GP .
August 1, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
YEAH~ welcome back Stig ^^
August 2, 2009 @ 1:14 am
Haiya, all these gimicks are to spice up the boring and soon to be banckrupt F1. With top teams withdrawing, economic problems etc etc. After Schu, maybe can ask alain frost back in action also, or maybe alex yoong also.
August 2, 2009 @ 7:11 am
Maichel sei teh best non fa niente come finirai Bella corsa linportante Che ci sei grazie per guidare ancora una Volta la Rossa ciao
August 2, 2009 @ 7:59 am
Go Michael Go ! I hope it rains on the next GP so the BOSS can show them how it should be done.
August 2, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Aiesy ..old master pun kena training ka …ingat sarung helmet pakai baju terus boleh race kah kah ….
So good la …sth to look for otherwise F1 now too uninteresting …
I heard Alex Yoong would be in standby mode if Schumi crashes hehe
August 4, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
overated schumi.
a Tod’s pit stop strategy champion.
you’ll die in that car this year.
(that’s what always a true legend did btw.. die on top)
August 4, 2009 @ 11:14 pm
how much did ferrari pay him this time?