Michael Schumacher will test a Ferrari formula one car at the Mugello track in Italy this weekend, according to the German newspaper Bild Zeitung.
Due to the strict in-season testing ban, the 40-year-old German's mount will be the Maranello team's 2007 model, devoid of slick tyres and the current aerodynamics and run by the 'F1 Clienti' department.
The aim is to test whether Schumacher's neck injury, sustained in a motorcycle testing crash in February, will prevent his scheduled return to substitute for the injured Felipe Massa as from the European grand prix at Valencia late next month.
It is also reported that his goal over the next few weeks is to shed a few kilograms. A photograph taken at Robert Kubica's recent karting event shows the topless Schumacher has visibly toned down his training regime since retiring in late 2006.
Quadruple world champion Alain Prost told France's Europe 1 radio that he was "very surprised" to hear about the comeback.
"I don't understand his decision, but I respect it," said the Frenchman. "Three years ago he stopped, he put on a little weight and he's getting over his motorbike accident.
"It is a slightly odd decision and a big challenge. Perhaps he just wanted to help Ferrari, because the test drivers Gene and Badoer have done some grands prix but there are clearly not as fast (as Schumacher)," Prost added.
