VALENCIA TEST - DAY THREE

Date     Wednesday 3 February  Track    Circuito de la Comunidad Valenciana RicardoTormo Driver   Michael Schumacher  

No of Laps   82 laps   Best Lap Time  01:12.438  Kms Covered   332km  Track Length  4.051km 

Total Test Laps   280 laps  Total Test Kms  1134km 

Weather    Cool and sunny  Ambient Temperature Maximum 14°C Track Temperature  Maximum 19°C 

Michael Schumacher returned to the cockpit of the MGP W01 car in Valenciatoday for the third and final day of the first Formula One pre-season testsession.

Following his first experience of the new 2010 car on Monday afternoon,Michael spent the early part of his first full day working on the set-up anddeveloping the balance of the car. For the afternoon, the focus switched tolong runs before a hydraulic problem on the car brought the day to a closeone hour early.

Michael completed 82 laps today and set the third fastest time - a01:12.438.

The next test for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team starts on Wednesday 10February in Jerez, Spain.

Michael Schumacher: "I'm very happy to have been back in a Formula One carthis week. We had a short run on Monday and then almost a full day todaywhich has been good. The experience has been very positive and the car isrunning smoothly with just a small hydraulic leak which stopped us slightlyearly today. The main focus is on reliability and doing as many laps as wecan so we're not too worried about looking at the lap times right now. It'sa new challenge and a new experience for me this year but knowing Ross sowell and working with him again has made it very easy and I feel at home inthe team already. I'm feeling fresh and motivated and very positive aboutthe season ahead. I can't wait to be back in the car to continue theprogramme in Jerez next week."