Constructive test return for Massa 25 Jan 2010
Although he’ll have to wait another week before he samples his 2010 car, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa enjoyed a brief Formula One refresher course on Friday. Massa organised a private one-day test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in a 2008-spec car, as he prepares to return to F1 racing for the first time since his accident during qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix.
With perfect weather conditions at the Spanish track, the Brazilian was able to cover over 400 kilometres in the F2008. While it may be a while since he last sat in a cockpit, Massa felt immediately at home.
"It was a perfect way to optimise my form here in Barcelona,” said the 28 year-old after completing his on-track work. “I’m really happy that I had this new opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula One single-seater on a race track. I can’t wait to sit in the new car and get stuck in.”
Massa will be back in his Ferrari overalls on Thursday when the Italian team take the wraps off their new car at their Maranello factory. He’ll then join team mate Fernando Alonso at the first official Formula One test of the year, which will get underway in Valencia on February 1.
