Retired F1 champ Michael Schumacher has been hard at work fine tuning the on-track characteristics of the upcoming Ferrari California, ensuring that the V8 roadster will have the bite to match its prodigious bark.

While it may not be as focussed as the 430 Scuderia, Ferrari is keen to make sure the California can still provide a bucketload of thrills out on the track, and Schumacher’s involvement in the project has largely revolved around circuit testing the convertible grand tourer and advising Ferrari engineers on how to get the best out of the California’s engine and Chassis.

At a recent test event, Schumacher was also careful to put the California’s performance in the proper context, describing it as much more refined and user-friendly than that of the 430 Scuderia and consequently not as fast around a circuit. Still, he had much praise for the California, saying that, “although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions.”

The Ferrari California is expected to go on sale globally later this year.