Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Ferrari rule out Massa return in 2009

Ferrari said Massa
Ferrari have stressed that Felipe Massa’s test of a privately-owned 2007 spec car at Fiorano today in no way signifies a return to racing for the Brazilian in 2009.

After undergoing a series of neurological and ophthalmological tests under FIA supervision in Paris over the weekend, Massa was given the all-clear by doctors and by the governing body to test an F2007 as part of his recovery.

But, although the test results were positive, Ferrari state that Massa is still not fit enough to return to competition in 2009.

'This morning at the Fiorano track, Felipe Massa will get back behind the wheel of a formula one car,' a statement reads.

'This is in no way a proper test session and looking at the stopwatch will not be on the agenda - there will be plenty of time for that in 2010, when, alongside Fernando Alonso, he will begin development work of the new single-seater.

'It is simply an opportunity for Felipe to renew his acquaintance with his natural environment, namely the race track.

'The Brazilian driver will do a few laps at the wheel of a privately owned F2007, run by staff of Ferrari's F1 Clienti department.

'Today's event is significant but in no way does it signify a return to competition in the near future.'

Ferrari continued to say that Massa’s condition will be reviewed just before the start of the 2010 season and that neither the team nor the Brazilian want to proceed gradually.

'In fact, based on a previously taken decision and after an informal medical examination in Paris a few days ago, which proved rather positive, but not enough to endorse a return to competition in the next two months, Felipe and the team want to proceed gradually and without any hurry to recover as well as possible from the effects of the accident that happened in Budapest back on 25th July,' Ferrari said.

'Therefore talk of a proper return to F1 can wait until the start of the 2010 season and only at that time will the medical checks be carried out, as required by the FIA in order to allow someone who has been injured to return to racing.'ADNFCR-708-ID-19404128-ADNFCR

No comments:

Post a Comment