Badoer targets Valencia race finish

The Italian is filling in at Ferrari for Felipe Massa, having been granted the opportunity when Michael Schumacher was prevented driving because of an old neck injury.

And having completed two days of running in an F60 for promotional purposes at Fiorano on Monday and Tuesday this week, Badoer is under no illusions about the task he is facing.

"I have a good impression and it's obvious that there's a difficult task waiting for me at Valencia," he explained. "The first race will help me to get back into the rhythm of a Formula 1 weekend. I haven't set myself any goals, just to end the race."

Badoer has also denied any suggestion that the promotional run he conducted in the F60, which is allowed under the terms of the F1 testing ban, has given him any kind of advantage.

"These 200 kilometres were absolutely insignificant from a technical point of view, but they allowed me to get to know the car again," he explained.

Badoer's efforts over the weekend will also be boosted by the presence of Schumacher, who has decided to travel to Valencia even though he is unable to race.

"I'm glad that Michael will be with the team, I'm sure he can give me some important tips," he explained. "Over the last days we've spoken very often and we even trained together when he was still trying to get ready to race.

"I was really sad, because I know how much he would have liked it. Although I am now able to make my dream come true, I am his friend, his admirer and his fan."

Badoer is also looking forward to working with new team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

"We've got an excellent relationship and I'm sure that we'll work very well together as team-mates," he said. "He's got his character, but that's nothing new; I feel very good when we're together."