Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Ferrari evaluating Badoer’s future

Ferrari are expected to wait until later this week before announcing any decision on whether Luca Badoer will race again for the world champions at next month’s Italian Grand Prix.

Test driver Badoer stood in for the injured Felipe Massa at the last two rounds at Valencia and Spa, but failed to shine at either venue, finishing 17th and 14th, prompting speculation that he will be replaced for the team’s home race at Monza.

Massa, whose skull was fractured in a qualifying accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix, is currently in the United States where he will undergo more medical tests on Monday. According to team principal Stefano Domenicali, who saw Kimi Raikkonen score Ferrari’s first 2009 victory on Sunday, the results of those tests could have a bearing on their line-up for Italy.

“Luca did the best he could and this win also reflects his contribution within the team,” said Domenicali at Spa. “Now we will take a few days to evaluate his immediate future, also based on what Felipe’s recovery time might be.”

After qualifying 20th in Belgium, Badoer came home last on Sunday, over a minute and a half behind victor Raikkonen, and the 38-year-old Italian’s best race lap was over two seconds slower than the Finn’s

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