Burti returns to the track

The Brazilian, who was forced to step down from the Prost team after being injured at Spa, tested a Formula 3 car at the Autodromo Internacional de Brasilia yesterday. The car was made available for Burti by Amir Nasr Racing, who won the 2001 South American F3 Championship.

Burti has stepped down from racing in Formula 1 to concentrate on his test role with Ferrari next year. "I decided to drive an F3 in order to get ready for the 2002 season and to 'get used' to a race car again," he said. "I had a need to drive fast again, and my performance in Brasilia made me feel very well and happy. I am sure that I will be able to contribute with Ferrari's development in 2002."

The former British F3 frontrunner also said he was impressed with the Amir Nasr team. "I was very well treated at Amir Nasr Racing," he said. "I was also impressed with their structure. I believe that this team is at the same level as the best F3 teams in Europe.

"I was very happy to meet again some friends from the time I was driving karts in Brazil, such as Vitor Meira, Juliano Moro and Cristiano Rocha", he added.