Schumacher fastest in second Jerez test

Michael Schumacher fired a statement of intent on the second day of the pre-season Formula One test in Jerez, posting the fastest time at the wheel of his new Mercedes.

The veteran German, who struggled at times on his return to the sport last season, set a best mark of 1min 20.352sec to finish less than a tenth of a second quicker than Felipe Massa's Ferrari. Massa's result continued Ferrari's strong start to the four-day test session, the Brazilian having topped the times on Thursday.

McLaren were still feeling their way with the new MP4-26. Jenson Button took charge of the driving duties from Lewis Hamilton yesterday, the Briton's times slowly improving over a series of short runs as he finished third in 1 min 21.009sec.