15/11/2009
NEWS STORY
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While it was Fernando Alonso's first experience of the Finali Mondiali Ferrari, it wasn't Felipe Massa's, however it was still a very special day for the Brazilian, who was back behind the wheel of the F60 he had to vacate following his is accident in Budapest on 25 July.
It wasn't the first time that Felipe has sat behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car since his accident, for he drove several laps of Fiorano on 12 October. But this was simply an appetiser, for today he was driving in front of the assembled Ferrari fans, which gave it a very special meaning.
"I am very happy to be here, that I can work with the team," said the Brazilian. "It's true that I've been with them in Sao Paulo and in Abu Dhabi, but driving is really extraordinary! Today I also want to thank all the fans, who were really close to me over the last months. The messages I received were wonderful. Lets hope that we can give our fans some satisfaction in 2010: Fernando and I rally want to be the best couple in Formula 1."
Massa drove around 20 laps, first with his teammates Gene, Fisichella and Badoer and later on, after a couple of pit stops, solo, before finishing with a parade together with the other Formula 1 single-seaters and the F430 GTs from the AF Corse and Risi Competizione team, the winners of the Constructor's and Teams' titles in the FIA GT and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans respectively.
"It was fantastic and I am so happy. Although I could drive just a little, I really enjoyed being here," said Massa at the end of the day. "I am very motivated: this today for me is like victory. It was just like before the accident at the Hungaroring."
"Felipe has an incredible taste for victory," said Rob Smedley, Massa's track engineer, who was today in charge of the pit-wall. "This is another small step in the preparations for his return to racing. The lap times? I didn't pay attention to them."
At the end of the event Massa immediately headed to the airport where he got on a plane back to Sao Paulo where his wife Raffaela is waiting for him. The couple are expecting the birth of their son - who will bear his father's name - either this week or next.