Schumacher Spins On Test Return.

Michael Schumacher crashed in testing at Mugello today [Monday] - just 24 hours after confirming that he will not race again this season.


The German admitted yesterday that he would not return to help Ferrari's world championship bid in the final two races of 1999, after experiencing pain in his knee brought on by his recuperative training programme. Despite the announcement, however, Schumacher revealed that he would begin testing for the team, both in preparation for his return next season and also to work on developments for the current campaign.


It was during one of these tests that Schumacher spun, planting his F399 in the barriers just 15 laps into the first session of the day at Mugello. The walk back to the pits will not have helped the German's condition, but he was hopeful of recommencing the test once his car had been returned to the pits.


Schumacher's absence from the Ferrari line-up in Malaysia and Japan is regretted by team-mate Eddie Irvine, despite the two reportedly not having seen eye-to-eye this season. The Irishman admitted last week that he needed Schumacher's help if he was to wrest the world title away from Mika Hakkinen and McLaren and, with that help now not materialising, he knows that he faces a struggle.