Massa will not return in 2009
Massa underwent further tests in Miami over the weekend
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Tuesday, 01, Sep 2009 06:39
By Adam Leveridge
Ferrari have confirmed Felipe Massa will be fit enough to return to formula one in 2010 after the Brazilian underwent further medical tests in Miami.
However, a spokesperson did rule out a return to the sport this season.
The Ferrari driver is due to have plastic surgery in the next few days and he will then have to start physical exercise to build his strength after another period of rest.
"The checks... all had a positive outcome, just like the eye exam: everything is in order for Felipe to get back to racing," Ferrari said.
Massa suffered life-threatening injuries during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, when he was struck on the head by a piece of debris that had come loose from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn.
The Brazilian underwent surgery on a fractured skull at the AEK hospital in Budapest and was then flown home to Sao Paulo, where he has remained since.
Over the weekend, Massa flew to Miami to visit leading motorsport neurosurgeon Steve Olvey, who was responsible for helping Alessandro Zanardi back to health, after his legs were amputated following a high-speed accident in 2001.
"After a short convalescence, Felipe can then gradually start with physical preparations," the team added.
"Naturally the results were received with great joy and satisfaction at Maranello with the prospect to be able to count on Felipe 100 per cent for the start of the next racing season."