Schumacher test praised by Vettel, Alfa

Mick Schumacher has received praise for his effort in testing with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in Bahrain this week. Schumacher made his first official outing in a Formula 1 car, with senior Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel saying his fellow German had impressed.

Schumacher's composed debut in the Ferrari car even prompted some Italian media to hint that he could be a long-term replacement for four-time world champion Vettel, who struggled in the Sakhir race just a few days prior.

La Gazzetta dello Sport said the sight of a Schumacher at the wheel of a Ferrari was "a picture of the future".

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Tuttosport added that a Ferrari seat is in 20-year-old Schumacher's "destiny". Corriere della Sera said: "His opportunity will come soon, maybe next year."

Schumacher moved into the cockpit of the Alfa Romeo on Wednesday, and impressed team manager Beat Zehnder, who is old enough to remember when Mick's father Michael drove for Sauber in Le Mans sports cars.

"I can't compare them," he told Blick. "But Mick is already very structured and precise.

"The kid deserves these two test days. Already at his first Formula 2 race here, he proved that he understands the now very important tyre management."

Even Vettel, who according to Schumacher gave him "tips" for the Ferrari test and was even on hand to oversee the session, admitted that youngster had done well.

"He was unlucky with the weather, but he did a good job," Vettel said, referencing a rare desert rain storm on Tuesday.

"I think he had a lot of fun, which you could see from the grin on his face, and that's the most important thing."

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