Schumi: It was like my first time

Michael Scumacher has likened his return to F1 after a three-year absence to his debut in the sport.

The seven-time World Champion marked his return to action with an impressive run on day one of testing in Valencia, notching up a fastest time of 1:12.947, half a second faster than his Mercedes GP team-mate Nico Rosberg.

"In a way it is like 1991, honestly," said Schumacher after the test.

"When I came into F1 I was shocked on the first lap and extremely excited on the second lap and further laps. And it is exactly the same today.

"I feel like a young boy that has a toy in his hands and enjoys himself."

The 41-year-old revealed that he suffered no immediate ill-effects from his afternoon on the track, allying some fears that an old neck injury may make its presence felt.

"I am fine. I have worked out very well and prepared myself extremely precise and that is the result," he explained.

Schumacher admitted he was pleased with the team's performance on a day in which he completed 40 laps and Rosberg managed 39.

"I think we have done a very good job," he said

"The guys did a superb job out there, being out there making a few control checks and making the car reliable. We did more than 80 laps, and for the first day that is a superb job."

Having spent 13 years with Ferrari, it came as no surprise that the German had mixed feelings about seeing the Italian team in action and not being a part of the preparations.

"Naturally I suddenly see my old car on the track and not sitting in it, it is a strange sensation," he added.

"But it was good to see my brother on the track, in the car and I enjoyed to see my friends down at Ferrari this week," he added.

Source: Schumi: It was like my first time - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com