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23 January 2004
BARCELONA – Michael Schumacher recorded the fastest time at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona Thursday as the six-time world champion put his Ferrari through its paces for the first time in 2004.
“I have to say it went well,” said Schumacher afterwards. “It was great to see the guys again and you could notice the good atmosphere in the garage immediately.”
Schumacher recorded a time of 1 minute 15.5 seconds on the Catalunya circuit and said he was delighted to be back behind the wheel.
“It’s great to be back sitting in a car. I had slowly come to miss it and was nearly a bit unsettled,” said the 35-year-old German. “But then you come here, climb into the car and everything is simply familiar and good.”
Schumacher was driving last year’s F2003-GA as the this season’s car will not be unveiled until Monday at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello.
The 2004 Formula One season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix on March 7 in Melbourne.
DPA
Subject: German news