Felipe Massa eyes return in Abu Dhabi GP

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa could defy doctors' orders and make a shock return for the Scuderia in the last grand prix of the 2009 season, in Abu Dhabi on November 1. The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering serious head injuries in qualifying at the Hungarian GP in July after being struck by a spring from another car.

Massa said yesterday that he would not be able to take part in his native GP, the Brazilian race in Sao Paolo on October 11 - "It is too close to the limit" - but that the team was gearing up to try and get everything ready for a morale-boosting appearance in the 17th and final round of the championship.

"We'll see for Abu Dhabi; we'll need FIA authorisation. It depends on the test [of the F2007]," last season's runner-up to Lewis Hamilton said. "I perfectly remember how to drive. My worry isn't to immediately get a good lap time, but just to run again. In any case, you need a good car and a good set-up."

The Ferrari man, whose place in the team is currently being taken by F1 veteran Giancarlo Fisichella, also talked about the accident that put him in hospital and almost cost his vision. "The damage could have been very serious and, considering the way I feel now, I have no doubt I was very lucky," Massa said. "I've often seen again the crash on TV and also myself with the injured eye immediately after. It's shocking but I was asleep and couldn't feel anything."

After coming so close last season - Massa missed out by a single point, which he claimed last week was cost him by the cheating of Renault at the infamous Singapore GP in 2008 - Ferrari were having an awful season before the Brazilian's injury. The only joy for the fervent supporters of the team that came was with the abortive deal to replace Massa with Michael Schumacher (above, with Massa) for the Brazilian's missing races.

Massa had 22 points and just one podium finish (third in Germany) before his crash, and the team has written off this season, focussing instead on next year with the recruitment of Fernando Alonso to be the second driver. "Fernando is a really good driver," Massa said. "We'll be a good pairing and I hope to finish in front of him." ·