Schumacher in a spin on testing return

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER recovered from a spin to mark his testing comeback with the fastest time at Jerez yesterday.

The former world champion, who cut short his winter break to return to testing early, spun his Ferrari in the morning but soon got back to speed.

Using a modified car, which included a new 2.4-litre V8 engine, he set the standard in Spain, pipping new team-mate Felipe Massa to top spot.

The Renault duo of Franck Montagny and Heikki Kovalainen were third and fourth respectively.

Anthony Davidson, who has yet to decide whether to stay as Honda test driver or take up a race seat with Super Aguri, was fifth. His Honda colleague Adam Carroll was eighth.

David Coulthard declared his first taste of Red Bull’s 2006 car a success after a test session at Silverstone.

The Scotsman was the first man to drive the new Ferrari-powered car.

He carried out a handful of laps around the circuit to complete system checks prior to the car’s official launch in March. Coulthard, who will partner Christian Klien next season, was pleased with his first run and excited by his chance to push harder in another session in testing today.

He said: “Testing the new car was momentous, as it represents something completely new for the team. The engine was delivered from Italy, but then everything has been built around it, and this was the moment when all the newly-created parts came together.

“In terms of driving experience, the car performed as expected on track and I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces tomorrow and throughout next year to see what it can do.

“As soon as you drive a new car you have a new toy to play with, so the old one quickly becomes uninteresting.”

Coulthard does not expect testing to go entirely smoothly but revealed he relishes the chance to fine-tune the first car built entirely under Red Bull ownership.

He added: “Testing a new car can be frustrating at times, as you’re finding out if the new designs are able to withstand intense vibrations and heat.

“However, when everything works well, it’s incredibly rewarding so it will be good to get back in the car. It must be a very proud moment for everyone in the team, as they’ve each played a part in creating something new here.”