'A very emotional moment' – Vettel reflects on driving Schumacher's 2002 Ferrari ahead of Italian GP

Sebastian Vettel admits that getting behind the wheel of his idol and friend Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2002 ahead of last weekend's Italian Grand Prix was "a very emotional moment".

This year marks 30 years since Schumacher joined the Scuderia, with the German taking victory in the 1996 Italian GP as he embarked on an 11-year spell with Ferrari which yielded five drivers' and six teams' titles.

After returning to Formula 1 following semi-retirement, Schumacher retired from the sport in 2012 after three years with Mercedes.

Vettel, who grew up with Schumacher as his boyhood hero before becoming friends with the seven-time World Champion during his own F1 career, was on hand at Monza to drive Schumacher's F2002.

The car helped Schumacher to clinch his third title with Ferrari in 2002 during a campaign where the German finished on the podium in all 17 races, a feat still unmatched.

"First and foremost, it's for my friend and to remember that, which was a very emotional moment," said Vettel when asked about the experience ahead of driving the F2002.

"He's my childhood hero and later on we had a deep connection with the friendship and got fairly close and shared so many nice memories. I think we'd much rather see him drive today than me, myself included.

"I'm looking forward to the moment in the car because I think it will be a moment where we will feel Michael and what he stands for still and hear him.

"I think there's so much more than just a couple of laps. It's his car, but it's a championship-winning car. It's a Ferrari. In Monza, around Tifosi.

"I think that there's a lot more in there that makes a connection to me. I mean, I love the sport. I don't race anymore, but I still love it, and I probably will love racing as long as I live. That's why I believe I care so much, and these moments are so special."

Schumacher's former team mate Rubens Barrichello was also on hand over the weekend and drove the F2002 on Saturday, while Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton used a special livery inspired by Schumacher.