Thursday February 26th, 2004

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher swapped his Formula One car for a day when he tested the BMW M3 GTR touring car at the Monza circuit.

Schumacher was joined by former Grand Prix driver Gerhard Berger to put the M3 GTR through its paces at the Italian circuit. Schumacher clocked up a total of 37 laps and was happy with the experience.

"It was a fun event for which I have to thank BMW," Schumacher said. "Of course the driving experience is totally different to Formula One - this is no open-top, and it's practically like driving in a cage. You get pretty hot under the helmet. Those laps certainly had their appeal."

Former BMW motorsport director Berger also enjoyed his outing in the German car, which will race in the 24-hour events at the Nurburgring and Spa-Francorchamps this year.

"Looking back on my touring car days, I have to say the M3 GTR is a very powerful and fast car," he said. "Compared with Formula One, of course, it doesn't quite have the same performance. I very quickly settled into the car and clocked some good times."

Published at 17:21:50 GMT

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(03-11-2005): Australian GP Paddock Gossip (03-09-2005): Greece Finds Site for Formula One Track (03-09-2005): Red Bull Set to Get Honda Engines in 2006 (03-08-2005): Schumacher in Line for Sporting Oscars (03-07-2005): Daily Grapevine Sunday Analysis - Australia

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