07/10/2009
NEWS STORY
Today was the second day of testing on the Ferrari simulator in Modena for Felipe Massa as he continues his recovery programme following his accident at the Hungaroring in July.
The Brazilian started his day with a visit to the Gestione Sportiva, where he received a hearty welcome, before leaving for Modena to race on the simulator, assisted by his track engineer Rob Smedley and performance engineer Giuliano Salvi. Once again he drove on the Barcelona circuit before moving on to his preferred track, Interlagos, where he has already won two races.
Tomorrow Massa will return to Maranello, where he will greet more workers in Gestione Sportiva, while on Friday he will fly to Paris for check-ups under the supervision of the FIA, before he returns to Italy.
Early next week, possibly Monday, the Brazilian will hopefully get back on track for real in an F2007 fitted with Bridgestone GP2 tyres.
Meanwhile, talking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian admitted that he is targeting a return to racing in time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this month.
"We'll see for Abu Dhabi," he told the Italian newspaper, "however, we'll need the FIA's authorisation. I remember how to drive, my worry's not to get a good lap time, just to run again."
Asked if he might make a surprise return for his home race next weekend at Interlagos, his response was a resounding no. "It would be too close to the limit," he admitted.