Schu begins road back to F1
Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher has set out on the road back to Formula One by testing a GP2 development car in southern Spain.
The 41-year-old German, returning with Mercedes after retiring as a Ferrari driver in 2006, completed 52 laps of the Jerez track before heavy rain and gusty conditions halted the session.
He said it was good to be back.
“Very positive. The feeling is there straightaway,” said Schumacher in a video interview released by Mercedes.
“Luckily I have never given up in terms of driving something, either motorbikes or go-karts.
“I had a test obviously last summer in a Formula One (car) so it is straightforward to bring the car back to the limit.”
Schumacher, Formula One’s most successful driver, had to abandon a planned comeback as a stand-in with Ferrari last season due to the lingering effects of a neck injury suffered in a motorcycle accident.
He has since signed a multi-year deal with Mercedes, who have taken over Brawn, as world champion Jenson Button’s replacement. He will continue testing on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Despite the weather not being what we all would have liked all my senses were nevertheless on full alert – this alone was worth it. I felt comfortable out on the track from the very beginning,” he said.
“We have two purposes, one is to get as many kilometres as possible for myself and the second priority is to get to know the engineers and get to work together.”
Schumacher, who has twice before driven for British-based teams, said he was settling in well and preparations for the new season were on track.
“Brackley is already kind of home after the second time being there… so overall we are pretty much set,” he said.
GP2 is Formula’s One’s support series at race weekends, with all teams using the same Renault-powered cars.
Formula One teams are not allowed to test until the first official session in Valencia on February 1.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/13/2790998.htm
Top Gear Season 14
Once again my favourite TV show has rolled into another season of high school boy mayhem. While I didn’t get to see all of season 13, I’m hoping I will get to finish it (thanks to some dodgy codecs). Season 14 kicked off on Sunday and I’ve already got the first episode to watch soon. I wasn’t sure how much longer Top Gear would go on for, especially after Jeremy Clarksons sopping story about the end of V8′s and supercars at the end of the Season 13′s last episode. But it looks as though they are back with a book of new silly tricks, and of course. Some say he isn’t machine washable, and all his potted plants are called Steve.
Car had a service
Well, I had my car go in for a service this morning. It’s been overdue by a good 20,000kms. Which is how much I’ve driven it in a year!
Took it to the same guys who replaced my front suspension earlier this year.
Service
Change oil and filter
Checked brakes and fitted new pads (pads I’d supplied)
Rotated Tyres
Checked all fluid levels and lights
Parts supplied
Engine oil and filter
Globe for the rear tail light (that I already knew was blown)
Topped up lubes
+ Labour
$210.30.
Pretty good if you ask me, I’ve been told the cooling system is in poor condition. The hoses will need to be replaced and radiator cleaned out. Also I get vibration in the steering wheel when driving and need the brake discs machine, but I already knew this! I think their quote for that was fairly expensive though. 10,000kms left in the rear disc pads before they need replacing too.
I’m the only person in the country with that decal 
1995 Mitsubishi Magna V6si.
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