Ferrari confirms Massa as test driver
Ferrari has announced that that it has signed Brazilian driver Felipe Massa as an official test driver for 2003 in place of departing compatriot Luciano Burti
The 21-year-old has long been touted to land a testing role with the world champions but after being beaten by Ralph Firman to a drive with Jordan in the past week, the option to become a reserve driver for Ferrari became his most viable opportunity.
Massa has long been linked to Ferrari, and made his debut using Petronas-badged Ferrari engines for Sauber last year. The driver was tipped to land a testing role with Ferrari as long ago as last November when he was replaced by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, but rumours much earlier in the season had indicated that Massa was being groomed as a potential future star for the Italian marque.
Massa will work alongside Luca Badoer in Ferrari's test team, but with his recent race experience could be used as a reserve driver should either Michael Schumacher or Rubens Barrichello be forced to miss a grand prix.
Massa's first public appearance for the squad will come at the launch of the marque's 2003 car in Maranello tomorrow (Friday).
Share Or Save This Story
Massa’s F1 2008 lawsuit will proceed to trial, judge rules
Massa's lawyer: Ecclestone, Mosley involved in "deliberate concealment" of Crashgate
Prost-like Massa deserved to retire an F1 world champion
Ferrari is down on power "even to Ford", says Leclerc
Hamilton "still motivated" and "100% clear" he will stay at Ferrari in 2027
"We love V8s" - What F1 manufacturers think about future engine regulations
F1 Canadian GP: Russell defeats Antonelli to Canada F1 sprint pole
Red Bull F1 team boss: "No intention behind" public meeting between Verstappen and Wolff
F1 compromise to make 2027 engine change could include shortening races
LIVE: F1 Canadian Grand Prix updates - Russell takes sprint pole ahead of Antonelli
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments