Maranello, Italy - Felipe Massa could return to driving a Ferrari Formula One car as early as Monday if he gets the all-clear from motorsport's ruling body, the FIA. Massa has been out of action since sustaining head injuries during qualifying for July's Hungarian GP but as part of his continued recuperation spent two days this week in a racing simulator in an effort to show his return to fitness.
Although it is now up to the FIA to decide at a medical check-up in Paris on Friday whether the Brazilian is ready to return to racing, Ferrari are already planning a busy week for the 28-year-old.
"Early next week, maybe already on Monday, Felipe will finally get back on the track in a real Formula 1 single-seater, a F2007 with Bridgestone tyres used in GP2," said the Italian marque in a statement on its website.
Massa has already said he will not be able to return for his home race in Sao Paulo on October 18 but a decision on whether he can race in Abu Dhabi on November 1 depends on the results of the medical and his proposed test next week.
In 2010, Massa will partner two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who replaces Kimi Raikkonen.