Nov.16 (GMM) For the first time since a flying spring struck his helmet in Hungary in late July, Felipe Massa at the weekend returned to the cockpit of Ferrari's F2009 single seater.
Since recovering from his serious head injuries, the Brazilian has completed a few laps in a two-year-old Ferrari F1, but he admits that Sunday's action - about 20 laps of the Valencia circuit for the marque's 'Finale Mondiali' event - was particularly special.
"It was fantastic and I am so happy. Although I could drive just a little, I really enjoyed being here," the 28-year-old is quoted as saying by the Ferrari website.
"I am very motivated: this today for me is like victory. It was just like before the accident at the Hungaroring," Massa added.
Due to his ongoing contract with Renault, Massa's 2010 teammate Fernando Alonso was present at the Spanish circuit but not able to drive or even wear official Ferrari clothing.
But he did sit in the back of a Ferrari California with Massa, before the driver Luca di Montezemolo beached the car in a gravel trap.
At the end of the day, Massa dashed to the airport to return to Sao Paulo to be with his pregnant wife Rafaela.
"The doctors confirmed that our child will not be born this weekend, so I decided to make this flying visit here in Spain," he said.
Written: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:39
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