Following Michael Schmacher s annoucement that he will not be racing at Valencia after all due to the the neck injury he sustained earlier this year, Ferrari have revealed that Luca Badoer will be racing at the European Grand Prix instead.
Badoer, a 38 year old Italian, has been a Ferrari test driver since 1998 as well as racing for Minardi in 1998.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said, “I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing. In the past few days, I appreciated his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world.
“No doubt his return would have been good for F1 and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again. In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances.
“In agreement with Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver.”
