Britney Spears returns to the recording studio

Britney Spears is quite clearly trying to get her life -- and possibly her career -- back on track -- after hitting the recording studio this week with former manager Larry Rudolph.

"We went into the studio, but it was just for fun – nothing more," Rudolph says of their visits to a studio in Burbank, CA Monday and Tuesday.

The 'Toxic' star, 26, has not been in a recording studio for the past year, sources close to the singer say.

"She just wanted to go in and tinker around," the source tells Us Weekly. "She sat at a piano and got some ideas. She played the piano and sang a bit. She enjoyed herself."

Britney played old and new songs, the source says, adding, "she wanted to go in as a way to get her creativity going. It was a really positive experience for her."

Spears and Rudolph -- who is credited for discovering Spears and managing her career for 9 years -- "are not at the stage where they are talking business yet," nor is this studio visit the start of a new project, the source says.

Earlier this month, Rudolph said Britney is on the "right path."