Burti Delighted to be Back at the Wheel

Brazilian Luciano Burti was a happy man after returning to the wheel of a Formula One car for the first time since he suffered a severe accident at the Belgian Grand Prix while he was driving for the Prost team last season.

Burti, who signed as the second test driver for World Champions Ferrari at the end of last year, drove the team's F2001 for the first time at the Barcelona circuit today, when the Maranello-based squad joined the testing session that will end on Friday.

The Brazilian, who completed 62 laps to finish the session as the ninth quickest driver two places behind teammate Luca Badoer, was delighted to be back behind the wheel.

"I am happy with the way testing went," said Burti. "My aim for today was to get to grips with the car and get some miles under my belt. It was a great feeling driving again after what happened last year and it is fantastic to be part of a team like Ferrari, driving a World Championship winning car, the F2001."

Both Badoer and Burti will continue testing for Ferrari tomorrow.