F-1 Racing Legend Schumacher Debuts in Motorcycling

Michael Schumacher drove a two-wheeled vehicle, but his racing instinct was the same.

The seven-time Formula One champion Monday finished fourth in his first motorcycle competition in Misano, Italy, the Trofeo KTM.

Retiring from F-1 in 2006, the 39-year-old German showed he still retains his competitive spirit.

He was blocked in at the first corner and fell to tenth place, but battled back to finish just outside the podium places.

He recorded the second-fastest lap on a 990cc KTM Super Duke in the 10-lap race, just one tenth of a second slower than the fastest lap of the competition. His top speed of 204.4 kilometers per hour was the highest among competitors.

Schumacher said he is not considering a career in MotoGP or Superbikes, just a hobby.

The German, however, has tested a Ducati MotoGP bike since retiring from F1 in 2006, leading to rumors that he will become a professional motorcyclist.

kimsk@donga.com