Michael Schumacher tested a Ferrari F2007 on GP2 series tyres at the Mugello circuit last Friday (above), however hopes of getting the German behind the wheel of the F60 before he makes his grand prix return in Valencia later this month appear to have been dashed.

Michael Schumacher has revealed that he is now locked into intensive preparations to raise his fitness for his comeback and has already lost three kilogram's as he races against the clock to be ready for the Valencia Grand Prix in 18 days time.

"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," Schumacher said yesterday in a statement posted on his official website. "I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well. I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too.

"It's on! I accepted the challenge. And as you all know, I really love challenges. It seems as if my fans would love them, too." He has been keen to compliment the many fans that have supported his dramatic comeback plans: "I really would like to thank all my fans who keep their fingers crossed for my plans for all the positive feedback," said the seven times F1 world champion. "It's incredible how much support I get from all over the world in these days. It almost feels like as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me. Compliments to all of you," he added.

Meanwhile Ferrari has angrily hit back at the Williams team which had declined to allow Michael Schumacher to test its current F1 car prior to his comeback. Ferrari had asked all the teams and the FIA for permission to give the German driver a day of private testing behind the wheel of the F60, but a unanimous go-ahead would have been necessary. Williams, as well as the Red Bull and Toro Rosso team, all declined to grant permission while several other of Maranello's rivals haven't offered an answer as yet. A statement was posted on the ferrari.com website yesterday reads: "Guess who opposed the test with the F60? A team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play. Just for the record, the Scuderia Ferrari had given its approval to let Alguersuari test, but it seems even in this instance someone decided to stick to the precise wording of the regulations."