Massa's Comeback Gets Closer

Felipe Massa's comeback has gained a big step towards reality as he has been granted permission to test a 2007 Ferrari F1 car, at Fiorano, Maranello.

The test session, which is usually banned during the F1 season, has been given permission by the FIA on condition that he uses GP2 spec tyres.

The purpose of the test will be to see how his racing skills are.

He has recently tested a kart, in preparation for two kart races before his possible return in 2010. Initial reports suggest that the test went well, and that Massa is recovering very quickly from his horrific accident.

He has flown to Italy this week to use the Ferrari simulator, in order to asses the effect that the Hungaroring crash has had on his racing abilities.

Massa suffered a fractured skull as a result of a crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. His return isnt expected until the 2010 season, but rumours have been circulating that he may return for Abu Dhabi, the last race of this season, on Nov. 1.

Ferrari have recently said that Massa will be present at his home Grand Prix in Brazil.

It will be the first race that Massa has attended since his accident.

There will be a lot of questions aimed at him about if he will return this season, next season or at all. But the majority of questions he will be asked will be about the recent news that his teammate next year will not be Finn Kimi Raikkonen, but instead, Spaniard Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari have said that they informed Massa about the change in the team, and that he seemed very happy about it.