Ferrari say they can count on Massa for 2010

Injured Formula One driver Felipe Massa will be 100% ready to race again by next season, Ferrari said on Tuesday after the Brazilian underwent more checks in Miami.

A spokesman ruled out a return this year, however, with Massa due to have plastic surgery in the next few days before starting physical exercise after a further period of recuperation.

"The checks...all had a positive outcome, just like the eye exam: everything is in order for Felipe to get back to racing," Ferrari said on their website (www.ferrari.com).

Massa, who suffered life-threatening injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July when he was hit on the head by bouncing debris in qualifying, flew to Miami on Sunday to see leading motorsport neurosurgeon Steve Olvey.

The champions said that Massa would have plastic surgery where his skull was fractured by the bouncing spring, weighing almost a kilo, that hit his helmet over the left eye in Budapest.

"After a short convalescence, Felipe can then gradually start with physical preparations," the team added.

Naturally the results were received with great joy and satisfaction at Maranello with the prospect to be able to count on Felipe 100% for the start of the next racing season."

There are five races remaining this season, with the last in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 1. Massa had hoped to be back by his home grand prix at Interlagos on October 18.

Massa has been replaced in the last two by the team's 38-year-old Italian test driver Luca Badoer, with disappointing results.

The veteran has finished last in both races and Ferrari, facing a challenge from McLaren for third place in the constructors' standings, are considering whether to continue with him for their home grand prix at Monza next week.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali said at the weekend that they would wait to see the outcome of Massa's tests in Miami before making a decision.

Speaking before flying back to Sao Paulo, Massa said he was delighted with the outcome of the examination but could not say when he might get back in a Formula One car again, with testing banned during the season.

"After the small surgery in the next days I can finally start to go to the gym to get back into shape and drive some tests in karts," he said.

"On the track with a Formula One single-seater? Let's take it step by step: at the moment I'm concentrating on taking up physical activities, which is a great step forward."