Felipe Massa targets F1 return at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
#1
10-07-2009, 05:16 AM
Felipe Massa targets F1 return at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Ferrari are expected to make a decision today over when the Brazilian will drive a Formula One car for the first time since suffering head injuries in a freak accident during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.
The Italian team said on Tuesday that only after completing a two-day spell in the team's simulator would a decision over the timing of Massa's comeback be made.
The FIA, the governing body of the sport, has allowed the test, which will be taken in a 2007-vintage Ferrari Formula One car that will be fitted with GP2 tires.
However, while Massa has already said he will not be able to return for his home race in Brazil in two weeks' time, he has not ruled out the possibility of racing again this season.
"It may be too close to the limit," Massa said of a return in Brazil where the world title race could be decided. "We'll see for Abu Dhabi (on Nov 1), we'll need FIA authorisation. It depends on the test (of the F2007)."
Massa arrived at the team's Maranello factory on Monday to work on his fitness and get reacquainted with the team as he continues his rehabilitation from head surgery.
"I perfectly remember how to drive," Massa told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. "My worry isn't to immediately get a good lap time, but just to drive again."
Reflecting on the injury which not only threatened his career but left his life hanging in the balance when a rear suspension spring fell off Rubens Barrichello's car and struck him on the head, Massa admits he is fortunate to have made a quick recovery.
"The damage could have been very serious and, considering the way I feel now, I have no doubt I was very lucky.
"I've often seen again the crash on TV and also myself with the injured eye immediately after. It's shocking but I was asleep and couldn't feel anything."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mot...and-Prix.html#
The Italian team said on Tuesday that only after completing a two-day spell in the team's simulator would a decision over the timing of Massa's comeback be made.
The FIA, the governing body of the sport, has allowed the test, which will be taken in a 2007-vintage Ferrari Formula One car that will be fitted with GP2 tires.
However, while Massa has already said he will not be able to return for his home race in Brazil in two weeks' time, he has not ruled out the possibility of racing again this season.
"It may be too close to the limit," Massa said of a return in Brazil where the world title race could be decided. "We'll see for Abu Dhabi (on Nov 1), we'll need FIA authorisation. It depends on the test (of the F2007)."
Massa arrived at the team's Maranello factory on Monday to work on his fitness and get reacquainted with the team as he continues his rehabilitation from head surgery.
"I perfectly remember how to drive," Massa told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. "My worry isn't to immediately get a good lap time, but just to drive again."
Reflecting on the injury which not only threatened his career but left his life hanging in the balance when a rear suspension spring fell off Rubens Barrichello's car and struck him on the head, Massa admits he is fortunate to have made a quick recovery.
"The damage could have been very serious and, considering the way I feel now, I have no doubt I was very lucky.
"I've often seen again the crash on TV and also myself with the injured eye immediately after. It's shocking but I was asleep and couldn't feel anything."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mot...and-Prix.html#
#2
10-07-2009, 07:16 AM
why? he isn't in the hunt and if he does poorly, he will only raise questions about whether he can hack it anymore.
#3
10-07-2009, 07:35 AM
Maybe he wants to have atleast one race under his belt before the 2010-season. The testing is very limited now a days and I guess that if he wants to be a contender for the '10 title he doesn't want to start the season with his first race for ~1year....or so? 
