FEBRUARY 6, 2003

Burti leaves Ferrari

Luciano Burti is to leave his role as a Ferrari test driver and will be replaced by Felipe Massa.

As we have been predicting Luciano Burti is to leave his role as a Ferrari test driver and will be replaced by Felipe Massa. Burti says that he has decided to return to racing in 2003 and has asked to be released from his contract. There is no doubt a great deal more to this than meets the eye but this is how the situation is being presented.

"I had a deal with them for the 2003 season, but I decided to return to racing," Burti says. "Due to my good relationship with the team, they agreed to release me, and we will keep a close link for future opportunities with Ferrari and Maserati. My aim for 2003 is to race in a competitive series, where I can win races and championships, which is my main motivation in motor racing. I will announce my plans for this season soon."

It is anticipated that Massa's new role will be revealed tomorrow at the launch of the new Ferrari.