12/10/2009
NEWS STORY
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Just over 11 weeks after his Hungaroring accident, Felipe Massa has completed 100 kilometres at the wheel of an F1 car, albeit it a 2007 contender fitted with GP2 tyres.
Though widely called a test, Ferrari and the Brazilian are at pains to make clear that it isn't a test but a way for the 2008 runner-up to regain confidence in his natural habitat... the race track.
Due to the rain in the morning, Massa completed only a dozen laps, though he was satisfied with his first impressions. In the afternoon, when the track was dry and the sun finally broke through the Brazilian went out again and drove a total of around 100 kilometres.
"The moment I got into the car it was exactly like before the accident, as if nothing had happened," Massa told journalists at the conclusion of the day's running. "It was important to demonstrate to the people who work with me, that nothing has changed, that I can be competitive and that I can contribute to what will be the new car and to next year's fight for the title."
After three days testing in a kart today's test in the F1 car helped the Brazilian gain more confidence as far as his physical capacities are concerned. Furthermore it was an encouraging in terms of his overall recovery.
"I knew that everything was alright 95%, but after today I can even cancel the last 5% of doubt, I still might have had." said Massa.
When asked about the fact that he will attend this weekend's Brazilian GP as a fan and not a driver, he said: "It would have been great coming back to race in Interlagos, because it's a track where I've always brought out the best, with two wins and three pole positions and just missing the victory in a World Championship, but I will be as happy just being there supporting my team."