U S A Car

Monday, 17 August 2009

Ferrari Encouraged By Massa's Progress

Felipe Massa is making good progress after suffering a fractured skull in an accident at last month's Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali said on Sunday.

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa arrives at a hospital in Sao Paulo

However, Domenicali did not comment on Italian media reports saying the Brazilian's recovery was going so well that he might be back at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sept 13.

"Felipe is in excellent form and his recovery is going very well," Domenicali told the Italian team's website (www.ferrari.com) after visiting the 28-year-old in Brazil.

"I'm very happy about Felipe's state. The medical checks that have been carried out over the last two weeks continue to be very encouraging. Now it's important to be patient and take one step at a time, without any hurry."

Massa, last year's championship runner-up, spent several days in an induced coma and on a respirator in hospital after he was hit just above his left eye by a bouncing spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car during qualifying for the race.

Accident: A loose spring from Rubens Barrichello's car is pictured here just moments before it struck Felipe Massa on the head

Saturday, 15 August 2009

Ferrari 458 Italia Spotted on the Road

Following the official release of pictures and information of the brand-spanking new Ferrari 458 Italia, the first on-the-road picture has appeared! It has a high-contrast black and white covering to obscure the design lines to save some surprise for the upcoming international motor show in Frankfurt (which is officially confirmed btw).

The 458 replaces the outgoing F430. Details regarding the 458 include the fact that it has a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 570hp, it is run by a new 7-speed double-clutch transmission and goes from zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 202mph.

Aerodynamic advances include small aero-elastic winglets and a rear diffuser for downforce. The dry weight is 3042 lbs and it boasts a 42/58 weight distribution.

Michael Schumacher Cancels Formula 1 Return

Per Michael's personal website, "Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.

After all the hype surrounding Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 racing to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa, it turns out he actually won’t make it back into the cockpit for Ferrari.

I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."