Felipe Massa has returned to the Formula One cockpit for the first time since his accident earlier this summer.
Massa suffered a fractured skull when he was hit by a spring from Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn GP car. He today tested a 2007-spec Ferrari at the team’s test track in Italy.
Despite the test and his all-clear from doctors, Massa ruled out a return to the sport this season.
“It went very well,” said Massa, who received special FIA dispensation for the test. “It seems that what happened in July hasn't changed anything.
"I didn't manage to do many laps because of the rain but everything we've done up to now has been normal like before. It's positive for me and for the team to see I'm the same as before.”
In a statement, Ferrari insisted Massa’s test was in no way linked to a return in either of the two remaining grand prix this year.
“This is in no way a proper test session and looking at the stopwatch will not be on the agenda," said the Ferrari statement.
"There will be plenty of time for that in 2010, when, alongside Fernando Alonso, he will begin development work of the new single-seater.
"It is simply an opportunity for Felipe to renew his acquaintance with his natural environment, namely the race track."
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