Schumacher takes 'big step forward' in F1 preparations

Michael Schumacher continued his Formula One comeback preparations yesterday with another tricky GP2 testing session.

The Mercedes driver completed 78 laps on a damp track that prevented him from pushing the slick tires to the limit. The poor weather conditions also cut the session short for a second straight day.

But Schumacher stayed upbeat, saying the session was a "big step forward as we were able to drive for around 90 per cent of the time in the dry".

Schumacher, a seven-times world champion, is helping the Formula One feeder series GP2 with the development of the 2011 car. The 41-year-old German is using the sessions to prepare for his return to F1 after three years in retirement. The test ends today.