Mick Schumacher to contest two F4 series in 2016

Mick Schumacher is taking on a busy calendar in 2016 as he continues his push towards Formula 1.

Now 17, F1 legend Michael Schumacher's son began his open-wheel adventure last year in German Formula 4, but Bild reports that the young German will also race in parallel in the Italian series this season.

Driving for the Ferrari-linked Prema team, Schumacher's campaign kicks off at Misano this weekend, followed by the opening German round in Oschersleben the following weekend.

"At least at first he will do both series and over time we will see if he concentrates on one," manager Sabine Kehm told the German newspaper.

Kehm said it is good that Schumacher's schedule will be busy in 2016, explaining that the decision was taken against pushing Mick into the highly-competitive F3 Euro series this year.

"We have deliberately opted for another year in Formula 4 so that his training is not rushed and is as broad and deep as possible," she explained.

"With regards to later, that's important. Mick is still in the training phase, and this must not be forgotten."

Schumacher got his season off to a good start this week, topping the testing times.