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25 November 2009

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Massa glad to be back in F1 paddock

Massa glad to be back in F1 paddock

17 October 2009

Felipe Massa made his Formula One press conference comeback when talking to the media after Brazil's second practice session on Friday afternoon; having been injured in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, the Brazilian talked of his rapid recovery as well as his laps in the 2007 Ferrari last week.

Friday's press conference was an all-Ferrari/McLaren affair
Friday's press conference was an all-Ferrari/McLaren affair

When asked how he felt following a series of recuperation techniques including cosmetic surgery, the Paulista responded: "Very good. I mean, it would be better to be driving the car but I am quite happy that things are going quite well; the recovery was really great, so I can say I'm the same as before.

Massa piloted the F2007 Ferrari in Italy last week
Massa piloted the F2007 Ferrari in Italy last week

"In the last three weeks, which was after the second operation, I started to do fitness (activities) and I have to say now that I am really the same I was before the accident, in terms of the physical side. I used the simulator and drove 100 kilometres at Fiorano in the 2007 car and it was very good. To be honest, I was pushing - I wasn't really slow and everything was normal, even the consistency was good. Everything was really normal and I am really, really happy."

Felipe chats with Ferrari 2010 team-mate Fernando Alonso
Felipe chats with Ferrari 2010 team-mate Fernando Alonso

Massa went on to explain that a delayed comeback will always win over a rushed return. "The only big issue is that everything needs to be 100 percent ready as our sport is a risk sport," he continued in a realistic manner. "We could always have another accident - I hope not, but we could. It's better to be 100 percent ready to recover from another accident and that's why we're waiting a little bit more…and it will be better to wait until next year."

This weekend, Felipe will be seen waving the chequered flag at the winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix and possibly a new World Champion, should things go according to plan for Jenson Button on Sunday. "It's not easy," admitted Felipe, who would prefer to be in the cockpit. "I have to say that I want to be in the car driving, especially here in Brazil - it would have been fantastic to come back for this race. Unfortunately, we need to wait a little bit more."


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