Badoer happy to clear first hurdle

Luca Badoer said he was happy to complete an error-free first day as Felipe Massa’s stand-in at Ferrari, allowing him to focus on picking up his pace as the weekend progresses.

The 38-year-old is returning to Formula 1 competition after a decade on the sidelines as Ferrari’s test driver, and is unfamiliar with both the Maranello team’s 2009 car and the Valencia temporary circuit.

Those disadvantages showed as Badoer trailed the field by a long way in the morning session before improving modestly to 18th in the afternoon.

But given the scale of the challenge confronting him this weekend, the Italian was pleased with his efforts.

“I am happy with the way things went today,” he said.

“I expected a difficult day and so it was.

“It was vital that I did not make any serious mistakes so that I could get through the programme we had established.


“Now we can begin to work on the car set-up to try and adapt it to my driving style.”

Badoer said he appreciated the fact the team had not set him over-ambitious targets, and was also thankful for the support of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who was initially chosen to take Massa’s place but had to call off his plans for an F1 comeback due to a lingering neck injury.

“The team has not set me any specific goal for this weekend and I am pleased about that consideration because it is important I return to having full confidence in the car and with the world of the grand prix weekend,” said Badoer.

“I am also grateful to Michael who wanted to be here this weekend.

“It is important for me to be able to count on his support, especially from the human point of view and, of course, also in terms of technical matters.”

Team boss Stefano Domenicali felt Badoer had done a respectable job thus far given his total lack of recent experience.

“[He] faces a difficult task, but he can count on the support of everyone in the knowledge that Ferrari has every confidence in him,” he said.

“Given his situation – a long time away from racing, an unknown circuit – the first day can be considered a positive experience for Luca.

“Clearly this weekend is something of a test session for him and that is how it must be judged.”

Badoer did earn one unwelcome distinction on his return – committing no fewer than four pit lane speeding violations, for which he was fined a total of €5,400 and given a reprimand.

Meanwhile Ferrari’s regular driver Kimi Raikkonen had a low-key start to the event, setting the 11th fastest time, but suggested the F60 could still be a podium challenger come Sunday afternoon.

“It was a positive day: I am happy with the handling of the car and the performance of both types of tyre we have here from Bridgestone,” said the Finn.

“There's no point in looking at the time sheet, because as usual on a Friday, it doesn't tell us much.

“The first session was rather difficult as the track was very dirty and slippery, but in the second one the situation was much better.

“I think a podium finish is still a realistic target for us, even if a lot will depend on where we qualify.”

Source: ITV