Felipe Massa has tested in a Formula 1 car for the first time since suffering a fractured skull, but Ferrari say he will not return to competition in 2009.
Massa is making good progress since his crash in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in July and the 28-year-old tested in an F2007 in Italy on Monday.
But Ferrari say they “want to proceed gradually” and do not intend to rush the Brazilian before he is ready.
“Talk of a proper return to F1 can wait until the start of 2010,” they added.
Massa underwent neurological tests in Paris on Friday. BBC Sport
It now seems he and his bosses at Maranello have elected to err on the side of caution, meaning Giancarlo Fisichella will remain at the wheel of Massa’s F60 for the remainder of the campaign.
Massa said: “I hope I’ll be back soon but I also know the best thing is I’ll be back 100 per cent at the start of the next season.
“My dream would be to race in Abu Dhabi. But the possibility is really, really low.”
He added: “I should finally be behind the wheel of a Formula One single-seater on Monday. I hope I can do many miles and do well, not only in terms of performance but also as far as constant lap times are concerned.” Daily Record
“I’m confident and I think there won’t be any problems.
“It’s true that a F1 vibrates a lot and there is lots of physical stress but I’m used to it.”
Massa will link up with Renault star Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next year.
He added: “I’m sure that with Alonso we’ll form a great team and we’ll work together very well.” The Sun
