FIA give the go-ahead for Massa to test Monday 5th October 2009 - PlanetF1.com Felipe Massa is set to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car just 10 weeks after suffering the serious head injuries that almost ended his career. Ferrari confirmed on Sunday that they had received permission from the FIA, motor racing's governing body, for him to test one of its cars. Massa has been sidelined since he was knocked unconscious by a loose car part and crashed headlong into a safety barrier during qualifying the at Hungarian Grand Prix in July. The Brazilian underwent surgery on the injured the area around his left eye and later had a metal plate inserted in his head. He is currently reported to be making good progress on the road to recovery and last week raced a go-kart in his native Brazil. With in-season testing banned in F1, Ferrari have been cleared to test an earlier-model car at Fiorano, using no parts from this season's F60 model. Team principal Stefano Domenicali said a decision was yet to be made about when the tests would take place, although he is expected to use a Ferrari race simulator in the next week. Domenicali ruled out any chance of Massa being fit enough to return in time for his home grand prix at Interlagos in Sao Paulo in two weeks. The driver had hoped to make a return for the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP on Nov 1 but Domenicali said there was little chance of seeing him on the starting grid before next season. "I don't know yet [when the test will be]," he told Autosport. "We will decide this week because Felipe will come to Maranello tomorrow. "He will stay with the team this week, he will go and do some training in the simulator, physical training in Maranello, and then we will decide when to do this. "Also, because it is compulsory, he has to do an FIA medical check before doing something. This is something we will decide this week. "What I can say is that it is not planned to do any driving in Brazil. For Abu Dhabi it is very, very unlikely. The main target is Bahrain next year."
If he can't race in Brazil, there's not much point racing in Abu Dhabi for the closer. (Unless he wants to be in on the after-race "torch the F60" party. ) (I'm guessing the F60 isn't going to be a big seller in the Cliente program. ) Best to just wait and hope the 2010 car isn't as much of a dog. I noticed that Kovi is equal in points to Felipe -- after Massa has missed six of the 15 GPs. What may be more interesting for next year is that, with the podium finish in Singapore, Alonso has finally pulled ahead of Felipe in the points ... five races after Massa was sidelined.
What may be more interesting for next year is that, with the podium finish in Singapore, Alonso has finally pulled ahead of Felipe in the points ... five races after Massa was sidelined. [/QUOTE] Come on DGS don't you know, after all these years, FA was annointed as the car development god of all in F1 land??? Surely you were aware
IMO Massa's test is about 2010 not this season. The team needs to know his status before all the decent drivers have signed with other teams.
Come on DGS don't you know, after all these years, FA was annointed as the car development god of all in F1 land??? Surely you were aware [/QUOTE] I hope all is OK so he can kick Alonsos' ass next year.
I wonder how they're going to sell anyway, being the first season with KERS I wonder about the durability/cost of operation vs an older car.
Here's what I just read about Felipe in Maranello Carol *** autosport Felipe Massa returned to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello for the first time since his accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Monday. The Brazilian is scheduled to work on Ferrari's simulator, have technical meetings and continue with his programme of physical exercise following his return to Europe. Massa is also expected to test a two-year old F2007 car fitted with GP2 tyres, but Ferrari said no date has yet been set, although the team ruled out it would be this week. "I'm finally back home," Massa told Ferrari.com "This is my second family and I couldn't wait to see them again, all the people I've been working with for many years and who have been close to me these days. "Now I can really say that I start working again. There's lots to do, but I'm happy. I like the way in Maranello." Team boss Stefano Domenicali was happy to welcome Massa back. "It's good to have Felipe back with us," Domenicali said, "and I'm happy that I can embrace him again. We called Chairman Luca di Montezemolo together and he was happy to say hello to Felipe, wishing him well for his work, while they took an appointment for the next days. "Today we'll have some technical meetings and mainly physical exercise. Felipe has to get back on top: he has a demanding period ahead of him with constant activities, but he knows that we're not in a hurry."
