Ex-Formula One world champion and current owner of Switzerland Michael Schumacher got some grudging respect for his riding at the Oschersleben Eight-Hour endurance race yesterday.

The seven-times champ was part of the Holtzauer Honda team, which usually competes in the German Superbike championship and although spent most of the race sitting in the garage, Schumacher was allowed out in the early evening session.

www.race24.com editor Martin Gelder, who was there, said: "He was actually pretty good on the bike. Certainly not just a hobbyist out for a play. I think he earned grudging respect for his lap times.

"His team didn't really compete in the race, treating it more as a test session."