Felipe Massa is aiming for a return to the cockpit at his home grand prix in Brazil in October. The 2008 runner-up is at home at the moment recovering from a serious head injury caused by a loose spring from compatriot Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn, sustained in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying three weeks ago.
Massa’s injury was initially thought extremely serious, and rumours circulated that he would not race again. His recovery has been remarkable, however, and his left eye, which took the brunt of the impact, is healing well. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has just returned from Brazil, where he visited Massa, and stressed that Ferrari would not hurry Massa back into the seat.
“Felipe is in excellent form and his recovery is going very well,” said Domenicali. “I am very happy about Felipe’s state. The medical checks, which have been carried out over the past two weeks, continue to be very encouraging. But now it is important to be patient and take one step at a time, without any hurry.”
This statement appears to preclude the idea of Massa making an emotional return at Monza, Ferrari’s spiritual home, and instead waiting for Brazil. In the meantime, Ferrari tester Luca Badoer will deputise, although it is unclear what options Ferrari have if they are not satisfied with Badoer’s performances.
