Jan.17 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher declared himself happy with his maiden outing in a Mercedes-Benz DTM car on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old is testing the black C-Class touring car at the former Portuguese grand prix circuit Estoril this week, ahead of a possible switch to the German race series in 2008.

"It is a new feeling for me to have a roof over my head," the German and former Williams and Toyota driver told Bild newspaper.

"The first lap was enormous fun," Schumacher, a six time winner of F1 races, added.

Ralf is due to drive again on Thursday, with Bild saying talks with Norbert Haug about a possible 2.5 million euro retainer to race this year may then begin.

Haug, Mercedes' competition director, observed: "His lap times were very satisfactory."