JULY 17, 2001

New Ferrari tester

WITH the Formula 1 teams in Monza preparing for the forthcoming German Grand Prix, reports are coming out that Ferrari is about to announce Felipe Massa its new test driver for 2002.

The young Brazilian lists on his resume such achievements as winning the 1999 Brazilian Formula Chevrolet Championship, and both the European and Italian Formula Renault titles in 2000. It seems now that Massa will almost certainly join veteran test driver Luca Badoer to develop next year's car after his much-anticipates victory in the Euro 3000 series, having won three out of three disputed races at Vallelunga, Pergusa and Monza.

Massa's management team are believed to have previously turned aside bids from Flavio Briatore and the South American TV-backed Prost team and an announcement is expected soon.