Schuey: 'It's like starting again'

Michael Schumacher admitted his return to F1 on Monday reminded him of when he started out in the sport in 1991.

The seven-time world champion returned to the sport from which he retired more than three years ago at the wheel of the Mercedes W01, setting third fastest time of the day.

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"In a way it is like 1991, honestly," Schumacher said. "When I came into F1 I was shocked on the first lap and extremely excited on the second lap and further laps. And it is exactly the same today.

"I feel like a young boy that has a toy in his hands and enjoys himself."

Schumacher admitted it was strange to not be in a Ferrari, after spending 13 years with the team prior to his Mercedes switch.

"Naturally I suddenly see my old car on the track and not siting in it, it is a strange sensation," he said. "But it was good to see my brother [Massa] on the track, in the car and I enjoyed to see my friends down at Ferrari this week."

Schumacher also pronounced himself pleased with his day's work.

"I think we have done a very good job. The guys did a superb job out there, being out there making a few control checks and making the car reliable. We did more than 80 laps, and for the first day that is a superb job."

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