Mixed feelings for Badoer about call-up

Although delighted at the opportunity to race for Ferrari, having been the team's test driver since 1998, he is a bit upset at seeing Michael Schumacher fall short in his battle to return to the cockpit.

"Since I've been a child I always wanted to race for Ferrari and now I've got the possibility to make this desire come true," Badoer told the official Ferrari website.

"I'm really sorry for Michael, because I know how much he wanted to return: I'm saying that as his friend and his fan. We've been in contact during the last days and we drove karts together at Lonato last week. So I followed him very closely in this attempt.

"Last night he called me a couple of minutes after Stefano Domenicali had told me the news and I know that he'll always be ready to give me some advice and he will shout for me."

Badoer has not had the opportunity to drive the F60, having last tested in December last year at Portimao, but he is familiar with the cockpit and thinks it will not take him long to get used to the machine.

"Although this year's rules foresee a drastically reduced mileage for us test drivers, I have prepared myself to be ready under any circumstances, just as I've been doing the last years too; I've been in this business for quite a while," he said.

"After Felipe's accident I intensified my programme and I'm sure that I won't have any problems from this point of view."

And having been granted the opportunity to race for Ferrari, Badoer has expressed his gratitude to the team's chiefs - as well as expressing hopes that Massa's recovers fully soon.

"My first thought goes to Felipe. I was shocked about his accident and I'm so glad that the situation is getting better so quickly: I wish him all the best and to get back on the track as soon as possible.

"I also want to thank Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali for the faith they put in me and for the honour that they are handing the car over to me: I will give it my best for them and for all the Ferrari fans, who - and I'm sure about that - will give me their support."