Retired seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher will test Ferrari's 2008 car in Spain next week along with reigning Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen, the team has confirmed.

A spokesman said the 39-year-old German would join Raikkonen at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on Monday before handing over to Brazilian Felipe Massa for the final test before the season starts in Australia on March 16.

"We wanted to give Felipe a rest and Michael was available to drive," said the spokesman.

Schumacher has taken part in several tests for Ferrari since he retired at the end of the 2006 season, with his last outing in December.

Monday will be his first time behind the wheel of the car that Raikkonen will use to defend the championship he won in Brazil last October.