In a quicksilver streak that is the Mercedes W01, Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, had his “second coming” in F1 on Monday at the sinuous Valencia circuit in Spain finishing third fastest in the test - half a second clear of teammate Nico Rosberg.

Michael Schumacher claimed he felt like he was making his Formula 1 debut again after returning to testing at Valencia on Monday and was visibly pleased upon climbing out of his car to speak with the press.

"In a way it is like 1991, honestly," Schumacher said after the test. "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."

Continuing on, Schumacher did add that it was strange to see the scarlet cars of the Scuderia Ferrari on the Spanish track motoring away without his sage advice and guidance.

"Naturally I suddenly see my old car on the track and not sitting in it, it is a strange sensation," he added. "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.

"I think we have done a very good job,” added Schumacher of his 40-lap test stint. “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."