Schumacher continues Ferrari testing

(GETTY IMAGES)

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher plans to test drive an old Ferrari model again as he prepares for his planned comeback later this month.

Schumacher is planning to drive Tuesday and Wednesday on the Mugello track in Italy using the 2007 Ferrari racing car, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said Monday.

Rules prohibit Schumacher from testing the current model. The 40-year-old German retired at the end of the 2006 season but is preparing to step in for the injured driver Felipe Massa, who is recovering from life-threatening injuries suffered in a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

Schumacher's first race is slated to be the European Grand Prix in Valencia on Aug. 23.

He has already driven the 2007 Ferrari model and has also practiced on a kart track.

Schumacher has been also working on his fitness but he hasn't yet said whether he has received the green light from his doctors to come back.

Last week, Schumacher said he was still feeling some pain his neck, the result of a motorcycle crash in February.