Schumacher at Fiorano with the Maserati Spyder.

It's no secret that Michael Schumacher likes driving. The world champion wanted to make the most of a break in his intensive testing programme, taking place at Fiorano to have another drive in the Maserati Spyder for the first time since its official launch at the Frankfurt Salon on the 11th September.

The German also met the press at Fiorano and here is some of what he had to say: "This week is our last chance to test this year. We are working on new components, like the gearbox. It is still a prototype but it is progressing well. Yesterday's record lap? It's normal when you are trying something new, to push to the limit."

Michael also alluded to rumours of the last few weeks that he had been considering retiring. "I think I have already said a lot on this subject. I went through some difficult moments at Monza, but it was enough to go back home to my family to realise that life must go on. I want to continue racing and I really enjoy it. Unfortunately, the USA Grand Prix was not the best for me or Rubens (Barrichello), but I reckon that come Japan we can have a better weekend, on a track where we have a good chance of winning."