Seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher beats ban with kart practice

German Michael Schumacher has been unable to test the 2009 Ferrari ahead of his return to F1 later this month so went karting in Lonato, Italy yesterday.

He said: It's an awful lot of fun."

Schumacher, the most successful driver in F1 history has been shedding the pounds as he prepares to come out of retirement to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari although a pain in the neck is a slight concern, he said on his website.

"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race.

"I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me for to build up muscles," the seven times Formula One world champion said on www.michael-schumacher.de.

"So all in all, the practice is going pretty well. I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as my health is the priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and with my wife too."