Ferrari Drive a Dream Come True for Burti

New Ferrari test driver Luciano Burti says he was surprised to be signed by the Formula One World Champions after his nightmare crash last season.

But the 26-year-old Brazilian is delighted to be still in Formula One.

"For me it is a dream come true to be in Formula One at all and of course it is an even bigger dream to be with Ferrari," he told a news conference on Wednesday at the Italian team's winter retreat in the Dolomites.

"There is an unbelievable atmosphere and a great history to this team. I didn't expect to be here after a tough year but I have learnt a lot. I feel so happy to be here."

Burti joined Ferrari after a difficult first season in Formula One which saw him race for both Jaguar and Prost before he suffered severe concussion in the big accident in Belgium last September.

Heavy Toll

He admitted that the accident and other crashes last term, including one at Hockenheim in which he ploughed into the rear of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari, had taken their toll.

"Of course it was something very difficult not just for me but for everyone involved," he said. "In my whole career I had never had a big accident and then last year I had four, two of which were quite big.

"I was very lucky, especially in Spa where the speed and impact were massive. It was very serious and I was very lucky. It was just small things that saved me. I hope it never happens again to anyone. For about a month after I was very confused and was thinking about my life and my career."

Burti declined to speculate on whether his role as a test driver could open the way for a longer-term future with Ferrari or whether he would be a replacement should Schumacher or Rubens Barrichello be sidelined.

"They have hired me as a test driver and I have to drive and think as a test driver. There is nothing in my contract about standing in," he said. "I hope nothing happens to Michael or Rubens and there is no need for a replacement. As for the future it is open."

Burti's great-grandfather came from Florence and he said that link made it all the more special to be part of Italy's number one sports team. He will be expected to work closely with Schumacher and Barrichello, who gave him a warm welcome on Wednesday but did not expect to gain anything personally by having a compatriot and friend as a test driver.

"No," said Barrichello. "I think it makes Ferrari as a whole stronger. He is a very good driver, a very good test driver and also a great friend of mine, so we have to listen to him. But because he is my friend doesn't mean he will call me at the end of the test. He is an advantage for the whole team."