Massa prepares for F1 return
RECOVERING Ferrari driver Felipe Massa could take the wheel of an F1 car next week for the first time since his life-threatening accident in July.
The Italian team said a date would be allocated for a test session only once Massa had completed a second day on their driving simulator.
A Ferrari spokesman said: “It is possible Felipe will drive a formula one car in the coming days, but it’s not been decided exactly when.”
Governing body the FIA has agreed to let Massa undertake a practice session in a Ferrari F2007, despite a ban on testing during the season.
And rival team boss Frank Williams has given his blessing, despite opposing plans for Ferrari to test other drivers in the wake of Massa’s accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I would like to wish Felipe well with his return to a formula one car next week,” read a statement from the Williams principal. “I hope that the test proves a successful step in his rehabilitation.”
Massa, who suffered a fractured skull when a spring from another car bounced into his path while he travelled at 160mph, has refused to rule out racing again this season. But with only two grands prix left, he believes the next race, on home soil on 18 October, will come too soon.
“It would be too close to the limit,” the 28-year-old said. “We’ll see for Abu Dhabi, we’ll need the FIA’s authorisation. It depends on this test.”
Massa also welcomed Ferrari’s decision to sign two-time world champion Fernando Alonso for next season, adding: “We’ll be a good pairing and I hope to finish in front of him.”