TIL: Michael Schumacher Tested a GP2 Car Ahead of Formula One Return

At the end of the 2006 Formula One season, 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher walked away from the sport, ending a glorious era. However, he couldn’t stay away, and four years later, the German driver was back in the fray.

The veteran driver joined the newly formed Mercedes team, which was born from the ashes of the championship-winning Brawn GP. In the process, he also reunited with former Ferrari strategist, Ross Brawn, who became team principal.

It was worth noting, that Michael Schumacher did not just jump into an F1 car right off the bat. Instead, according to a video released by Motorsport.com, it transpired that the veteran driver took part in a test session in a GP2 car, ahead of his return.

The GP2 test was a three day affair and Schumacher used it to get to grips with the 2010 rule changes.

According to Schumacher himself, the real purpose of the test was to ensure that his “senses were on full alert after three years away from the cockpit”. Another objective was to test his neck, owing to his lingering injury.

Initially, Michael Schumacher was supposed to stand in for Felipe Massa after the latter’s frightening crash in Hungary 2009. However, Schumacher declared that his neck had healed and that it would not trouble him.

Owing to testing restrictions, Michael Schumacher did not step into a Formula One car until the pre-season test. So, the GP2 car was slated as the best alternative for the veteran driver. At the time, the G-force of the feeder series cars, was one G, less than hat of an F1 car. In other words, it was the closest that Schumi got to testing an F1 car before stepping into the real thing.

Another feature that helped Schumacher in his preparation was the lack of power steering in the GP2 car. It aiding in enhancing the physical aspect, as F1 cars had power steering. The test was also successful in another manner, as Michael’s inputs also helped develop the GP2 car.

By the end of the test, Michael Schumacher was a mere four tenths away from the GP2 lap record. He later admitted that he felt so comfortable that it almost felt like he had never left. The signs were looking so positive that the Mercedes team were dreaming of nabbing their first title since their return, and Schumacher’s 8th title.

Unfortunately, the Mercedes W01 was in essence, a rebranded Brawn GP, minus the developments. So, the best that they could achieve was fourth, and in his final season, the best that he could achieve was a solitary 3rd place, his final podium until he retired.