Schumacher tests new Ferrari components

Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher tested Ferrari's new gearbox, several components for the 2002 car and a revolutionary new radar system at the Fiorano track on Friday.

Schumacher was delighted with the positive progress made as he also carried out Bridgestone tyre tests in dry and wet conditions.

"I am very happy with the work we have done this week," said Schumacher. "It's been a while that we wanted to try something revolutionary and we did it with the new gearbox.

"Given the first results we have achieved with new components -- and the gearbox was not the only thing we tried -- I am optimistic about next year."

The new radar system, tried out by Schumacher and Ferrari test-driver Luca Badoer, is designed to show the distance between two cars on track and when a car is slowing down.

The work was carried out in collaboration with the sport's governing body, the FIA.

Schumacher left Fiorano at lunchtime after recording a fastest lap time of 59.033 seconds. Badoer stayed all day and recorded a best time of one minute 6.855 seconds. Badoer will continue testing at Fiorano on Saturday.