Massa to return for Italian Grand Prix in early September?
Luca Badoer is gearing up for his first grand prix in ten years. The veteran Ferrari test driver (who got the nod to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa after plans for Michael Schumacher's temporary return were put on hold) will get to test the Ferrari F60 which he helped develop before the upcoming European Grand Prix in Valencia after all, as Ferrari gets permission to run some "demonstration laps" around its own Fiorano circuit. But according to the latest reports, Badoer shouldn't get too comfortable in that cramped cockpit as Massa may be back sooner than expected.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali visited the downed Brazilian pilot and was encouraged by his progress, prompting reports in the Italian press that Massa could make a sensational return in time for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza at the beginning of September. Massa would need to pass a medical exam at the FIA headquarters in Paris before getting the green light to race again, and may need to wear extra protective gear. In the meantime, Domenicali insists that everyone be patient while Massa recovers.
[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]
Team principal Stefano Domenicali visited the downed Brazilian pilot and was encouraged by his progress, prompting reports in the Italian press that Massa could make a sensational return in time for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza at the beginning of September. Massa would need to pass a medical exam at the FIA headquarters in Paris before getting the green light to race again, and may need to wear extra protective gear. In the meantime, Domenicali insists that everyone be patient while Massa recovers.
[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul 6:19PM (8/17/2009)
I hope not -- That's too soon for a serious brain injury. Patience Massa, patience. Next year is not too far away...
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Brad 8:26AM (8/18/2009)
That's what I was thinking also. That's just too soon to be out there subjecting yourself to those kinds of G forces when you've just recovered from a fractured skull. Come back next year in shape and ready to go.
josephbaratta 6:38PM (8/17/2009)
Actually, Felipe hopes to return for the Brazilian GP on October 18th.
Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77739
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Mr.Oak 7:32PM (8/17/2009)
I hope the FIA doesn't let him back at before Brazil, if not next year.
Get Well Felipe. One of the good guys in F1.
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fmwso 2:17AM (8/18/2009)
I second that.
Quan 10:18PM (8/17/2009)
As a competitor it's understandable why he would want to try and get back as soon as possible, but let's hope that he decides not to rush back before he is truly ready. Considering his ability I'm sure there will be a seat available for him at Ferrari once he's ready.
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Giovane 10:27PM (8/17/2009)
September seems to be too early.. I think October is OK though, and it would be cool to see him returning in his Brazil, his country
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