Massa could be back on track as early as Monday

Ferrari revealed that Felipe Massa could return to the track for a test session as early as next week. Monday has been mentioned as a likely date for his first test session in a Formula 1 car since his terrible accident during the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.

Massa has already proven himself at the wheel of a kart a few days ago and visited the headquarters of the Italian team this week. He is thus continuing his preparations for his return to F1, and the FIA has authorized him to drive a 2007 single-seater equipped with GP2 tires.

In anticipation of these tests, Massa spent two days in Modena to assess his skills on Ferrari’s simulator. Joined by his race engineer, Rob Smedley, and performance engineer Giuliano Salvi, Massa was seen around the Barcelona circuit on Wednesday.

Before boarding his plane, the 28-year-old driver went to Maranello, the headquarters of Ferrari, today to say hello to some team members, before heading to Paris to be examined by FIA doctors tomorrow, Friday. If the examination is successful and he is declared fit to drive, the team is hopeful he will be on track in Italy on Monday.

It was also announced that Massa is expected to wave the checkered flag at the Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend. He won the Interlagos race last year in front of footballer Pelé and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.