On his return to an F1 cockpit, following a three-month lay-off as he recovered from injuries sustained at Indianapolis, Ralf Schumacher was delighted to be 'back at work'.

"At nine o'clock I was sitting ready in my car," he revealed. "Back in my car! A super feeling! I missed it all a lot more than I had actually realised."

It was a productive day for the German, who ended the day over a second faster than his nearest rival. "It's not what I set out to do," he admitted, "but it's a very good starting point after being away for three months. I am really happy. I haven't forgotten how to drive."

In addition to having proved that he's lost none of his pace, the German was delighted to complete the day without even a twinge of pain. "No pain. I'm fit," he said, smiling. "My physiotherapist Sven and my aid Daniel Dobringer are both satisfied with the progress I have made."

The Toyota-bound driver continues at Silverstone today and tomorrow before heading off to Shanghai for the inaugural China GP.

"The everyday life of Formula One has got me again," he laughed. "And I've got it."