Schumacher tests Ten Kate Fireblade

Seven-times Formula One World Drivers’ Champion Michael Schumacher was on track again today – on two wheels rather than four. In a special guest ride courtesy of team HANNspree Ten Kate Honda, Schumacher tested the Honda CBR100RR Fireblade race machine currently being campaigned by Carlos Checa in the World Superbike Championship.

Since retiring from F1 at the end of the 2006 season, Schumacher has been getting to grips with racing motorcycles and has taken part in the IDM (Internationale Deutsche Motorradmeisterschaft) Superbike series on a Honda CBR1000RR.

The Ten Kate team won last season’s World Superbike championship with Britain’s James Toseland and the team has also won the last six consecutive World Supersport championships for prodcution machines of 600cc.

“It was interesting to see how a professional superbike team works,” commented Schumacher. “It was difficult to understand the machinery fully with such a short amount of time but it was a great experience. It was also good to be a team-mate with Carlos, who I have known for a number of years. I would like to thank Mr Ten Kate for giving me the opportunity to try things out.”