Friday August 20th, 1999

Michael Schumacher was back in the cockpit of his Ferrari #3 this morning, when he joined the Italian team's drivers at testing in Mugello.

Schumacher, who received clearance to drive yesterday from him doctors, only came out for 5 laps around Ferrari's private track. He arrived at the track at a little after 09:30am and drove one adaptation lap around the circuit. After some deliberation with the team chief, Jean Todt, and the mechanics, Schumacher went out for a further 4 laps and according to the German media, he set a time of 1:28.86 - slightly faster than the time teammate Eddie Irvine set yesterday (1:28.94). It should be noted, however, that other media sources claim Schumacher drove 18 laps with identical time to that of Irvine - 1:28.68.

Either way, it seems clear that Schumacher was back on pace although not without discomfort. Schumacher, who still limps heavily, plans to run 70 laps in full race-trim tomorrow.