Ferrari Statement: No Return for Felipe Massa in 2009

Felipe Massa will not return to Formula One this season.

After a successful test session in an F2007 Ferrari with Bridgestone GP2 tyres fitted, the Italian team have issued a statement saying that Massa will not return to Grand Prix racing until 2010.

Felipe, 28, said he was "relieved" to be back behind the wheel, and that "it was as if I'd never stopped."

The Brazilian also said this about his horrific accident in Hungary.

"It went very well. What happened last July 25th has not changed anything."

"I didn't manage to do many laps because it was raining but what I understood today is that everything has returned to how it was before the accident. I am still the same as before and that makes me happy, for me and for the team."

Despite this positive showing, Ferrari were quick to issue a statement.

The statement on Ferrari's official website on Sunday night read: "This is in no way a proper test session and looking at the stopwatch will not be on the agenda - there will be plenty of time for that in 2010, when, alongside Fernando Alonso, he will begin development work of the new single-seater."

"It is simply an opportunity for Felipe to renew his acquaintance with his natural environment, namely the race track."

"Tomorrow's event is significant but in no way does it signify a return to competition in the near future."

"Therefore talk of a proper return to Formula One can wait until the start of the 2010 season and only at that time will the medical checks be carried out, as required by the FIA in order to allow someone who has been injured to return to racing."

Ferrari have also said, previously, that Felipe would be present in Brazil this weekend. Its a circuit that Massa excels on, and he would have stood a good chance of winning the race for a second time in a row.

Rumours were rife that Massa intended to return for the final race of the season, in Abu Dhabi. However, this news from Ferrari puts paid to those rumours.

The Abu Dhabi circuit, which features an underground pit exit and a LCD panel covered hotel, is on Yas Island, near to where Ferrari World is currently under construction. It promises to be the largest man made structure on earth.

Soon to follow are a billion dollar "extension" to the Louvre Museum, and a Warner Brothers amusement park.

The whole development is said to cost around $34 billion.