“The fact that my first participation in a Formula 1 weekend will take place in front of my home audience at the Nürburgring makes this moment even more special.
“I would like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing and the Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me the opportunity to get another taste of Formula 1 air one and a half years after our common test drive in Bahrain.
“For the next ten days I’m going to prepare myself well, so that I can do the best possible job for the team and gain some valuable data for the weekend.”
Schumacher will have good memories of the Nürburgring circuit where he secured a three-race clean sweep in 2018 to kick-start a late-season push for the Euro F3 title, one he went on to win against then-Red Bull junior driver and current F2 rival, Dan Ticktum.
Ilott is currently Schumacher’s closest rival in the F2 standings, sat in second position 22 points adrift of the leader.
“It’s a real privilege to get my first run in a free practice session, especially to do it with Haas F1 Team,” Ilott said.
“It’s amazing to have this chance at a track that is one of my favourites – it was where I scored the first podium of my career back in 2015.
“The Nürburgring means a lot to me and is a track with a real heritage, so it’s great that I’ll have my first outing at a Formula 1 race weekend there. Thanks to Haas F1 Team and to the Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me such a great opportunity.
“It should be really fun and exciting. I plan to make the most of it, I’m definitely looking forward to it.”