FEBRUARY 18, 2002

Massa crashes second C21 in Mugello

Sauber finished up preseason testing on Monday in Mugello, but not the way they would have liked.

SAUBER finished up preseason testing on Monday in Mugello, but not the way they would have liked. After Nick Heidfeld's accident Saturday ended his preseason testing prematurely, Felipe Massa suffered a similar accident after completing 22 laps of the Italian circuit Monday, ending his program. The Brazilian was unhurt, but the car had to be sent back to Hinwil to be repaired, before it is shipped to Melbourne for the season opener on March 3rd.

Massa lost control of the C21 in turn 11 and spun into the tire barrier on lap 23 of Monday's session. Prior to the accident, the F1 rookie completed a dry run to double check the car's systems, and several refueling tests. "I am disappointed to have crashed the car," said Massa. "But it was extremely good experience to do the refueling stops and this will stand me in good stead, ready for my first Grand Prix in Melbourne."