Filipe Massa’s Formula 1 Prospects for the 2010 Season

Scuderia-Ferrari struggled during the 2009 Formula 1 season because of persistent mechanical problems. Lead driver Felipe Massa did not reach the podium until the ninth race in the German Grand Prix held in Hockenheim, Germany. Massa finished in third place and 16 seconds behind Sebastian Vettel before retiring to his motorhome rental. Then, tragedy poised to strike.

Massa suffered a debilitating head injury during the second qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. On July 25, 2009, a lose suspension spring dislodged from the Brawn-Mercedes car driven by Rubens Barrichello. As the spring bounced to a stop, Massa drove into the debris approaching maximum speed. Following the injury, Massa underwent surgery and did not drive again until October. The FIA approved his return to racing after a medical examination in Paris. He immediately began practicing in his 2007 car.

Scuderia-Ferrari announced that Massa is the team’s lead driver during upcoming 2010 Formula 1 series. Considering his outstanding past accomplishments, the former Formula 1 winner and eight year veteran’s prospects remain bright.

To catch a glimpse of Massa’s official return to racing, consider the French Grand Prix in Monte Carlo as a premier opportunity. All factory teams arrive early to reacquaint themselves with the difficult circuit. Motorhome rentals begin appearing weeks in advance as preparation and practice sessions begin. Factory teams standout immediately upon arrival because of their opulent motorhome rentals and vibrant team colors. The popularity of Formula 1 in France insures record-breaking attendance with an international flare.

The 2010 session begins in Bahrain and proceeds to Australia, Malaysia and China. The Spanish Grand Prix at Catalunya is the first European venue on May 9, 2010. The Monte Carlo race begins the following week on May 15, 2010. World champion Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will race in Monte Carlo for Brawn-Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber will represent RBR-Renault.

Over the course of his Formula 1 career, Massa entered 116 races and gained 28 podiums while driving for Scuderia-Ferrari. Although he never won a world champion title, his career odds of reaching the podium in any given race are one in four. Few competitors match his courage, tenacity and dedication.

Historically, all Scuderia-Ferrari cars perform above expectations. Massa is the most capable driver competing today who is intimately familiar with the capability of the current Ferrari F60 model. Fans worldwide wish Massa a safe and spectacular return to the podium.