News Round-up: Schumacher, Bird & Chandhok

Ferrari have announced that seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher will come out of retirement next Tuesday to test the 2007 challenger, the F2007. The Italian team will be at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, and Schumacher is scheduled to run the title-winning car with few driver aids to help the team understand how it will work without traction control and other electronic devices. Michael is scheduled to run on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Michael has a big experience in driving cars with no traction control and no electronic aids, so it makes sense for him to give his input. It’s half for pleasure, half for technical reasons. Ferrari Spokesperson.

Schumacher has driven the F2007, although it was only part of the team’s celebrations after clinching both championships last month. Schumacher also drove an older Ferrari as part of the marques 60th anniversary celebrations in the summer. Both occasions were at Ferrari’s private test circuit Fiorano in Italy.

Sam Bird Tests For Williams

British F3 driver Sam Bird completed some aerodynamic tests for Williams recently, running the FW29 at Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire. It was Bird’s first drive in a Formula One, and the tests were conducted over a two week period. Team owner Frank Williams praised the young drivers professionalism and competence behind the wheel of his Formula One car, although it is not known if Bird will continue testing for the team later in the year.

The experience was amazing and I would like to say a huge thank you to Sir Frank Williams and the whole team for giving me the opportunity. This has been a very valuable experience; I have learned a lot in the last two weeks which I am sure will stand me in good stead for my future. Sam Bird.

Karun Chandhok Will Test For Red Bull

And finally, Indian GP2 driver Karun Chandhok has been awarded a two day test with the Red Bull Racing squad when the teams descend on Barcelona next week. Karun has been progressing in Formula One’s feeder series this season, even claiming a victory in Belgium at the formiddable Spa Francorchamps circuit.

Ever since I was four years old I’ve dreamed of being behind the wheel of a Formula One car and this is a day that not just myself, but my family and everyone who has supported me over the years, has thought about for a long time. I really have to thank everyone involved at Red Bull Racing for this opportunity; I’m really looking forward to it. Karun Chandhok

Karun has been supported by Red Bull for a couple of years now and his progress in GP2 this year has been clearly evident, culminating in a win at Spa. Barcelona presents a good opportunity to put Karun in one of the cars, as our regular test driver Sebastien Buemi will be competing in the Macau F3 race. Christian Horner.

Since Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bought out the Spyker team, the country’s interest in Formula One has grown, particularly as the squad will be renamed to Force India and will no doubt be sponsored by Indian companies. India will also host a round of the Formula One Championship in 2010, although the location for the circuit is yet to be decided.