Michael Schumacher says he "very happy" by his return to the track testing a GP2 car in Spain this week ahead of his Formula 1 comeback in 2010.

The seven-time champion, returning with Mercedes after a three-year hiatus, completed a three-day test at Jerez.

"I could really drive a lot on this last day of testing and it worked out perfectly," Schumacher said.

"I am very happy with the way testing went here. I feel fit, comfortable back in the car - hey, let's go for it!"

The test has been hampered by strong winds and wet weather, but conditions were better on Thursday and Schumacher was able to complete 131 laps on the final day.

The 41-year-old German, who has admitted he suffered some twinges in his neck after the first day's running, managed a total of 715 miles over the three days of the test.

Schumacher was taking part in a three-day development test for the 2011/2013 car for GP2 - F1's feeder series.

The test also gives him a chance to get some mileage before F1 winter testing begins in February.

It is his first experience of a powerful single-seater since he completed a short test with Ferrari last summer in a 2007-specification car when he was set to deputise for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

Since calling off his temporary comeback with Ferrari because of a neck injury, Schumacher had been restricted to karting to sharpen his racing instincts.

The German's first chance to get behind the wheel of an F1 car will be during testing in Valencia on 1 February.

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However, it is not yet known if Schumacher and his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg will both take part in the first of four pre-season tests.

The ban on in-season testing means Schumacher must wait to try out an F1 car for Mercedes, who won both championships last year in their former guise, Brawn.

The GP2 test was approved by motorsport's governing body the FIA and F1's testing organisers and is an indication that Schumacher has lost none of his famous attention to detail in his spell away from the sport.

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