Zoom Biding his time before his return next year

Felipe Massa on Friday admitted his first appearance in a Formula One paddock since his July accident had not been easy. The Brazilian was a mere spectator in the paddock, pitlane and on the Interlagos pitwall, where a year ago he won his home race and nearly the world championship in style.

"It's not easy, I have to say," he said. "It would have been fantastic to come back at this race but we need to wait a little bit more."

While frustrated not to be competing, Massa reiterated that he will not be back behind the wheel for the season finale in Abu Dhabi. "It's better to be 100% ready than to have another accident, and that's why we are waiting a little bit more. ”

The recent plastic surgery to his forehead means there is now hardly any sign of his life threatening head injuries less than three months ago, and Massa again confirmed that he is back to normal having tested this week at Fiorano.

"I was pushing, I was not really slow, and everything was normal - even the consistency was good," he said. "Now I can do everything like I was doing before.”

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM