As usually, the reigning Formula 1 world champion took the test very seriously. Benefiting from a pause of the Ferrari testing, he completed one lap in the Alfa, then came back into the pits to study the telemetry and exchange opinions with current ETCC leader Gabriele Tarquini and the Autodelta engineers. Back at the wheel, Schumacher completed about twenty laps, clocking the fastest in the impressive time of 2:02.76. 

“It was a nice experience,” he said afterwards. “I wish to thank Alfa Romeo for giving me this opportunity. The reason for this test was to point out how much Alfa Romeo and Ferrari are close. I also wish to help Sebastian (Stahl) in understanding the secrets of this car.” Sebastian Stahl, son of Schumacher’s father’s companion, also drove the Alfa 156 GTA for a few laps today, in view of the proper test he will sustain tomorrow.

It was the third and final day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at the Mugello circuit. The German driver carried out electronics and tyre testing with the F2003-GA, completing a total of 85 laps, of which nine were on the short version of the track. His best lap time on the day was a 1’21”942. He carried out the Alfa-test during a mid-afternoon break in F1 testing.

Test details: Autodromo del Mugello, 5.245 km ( short course 2.760 km ). Weather: air temperature 26/27°C, track temperature 31/39 °C, sunny.