Lewis keen for Massa return

Date published : 17 Oct 2009 - 12:23:23

// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Lewis Hamilton is eager to welcome Felipe Massa back to Formula One in order to rekindle their on-track rivalry. Massa, who has been recuperating from life-saving surgery following an accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, made his return to the F1 paddock as a spectator ahead of the penultimate race in his native Brazil. Hamilton, who faced Massa in an epic title fight at Interlagos last year, greeted the 28-year-old with a firm handshake and a hug. Although Massa was behind the wheel of a 2007-spec Ferrari at the team's test track in Fiorano this week, his speculated comeback for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November has been postponed until next season. Hamilton, for one, is relishing the chance to face the Brazilian again and renew their intense rivalry. "I'd like to say 'welcome back' to Felipe," said Hamilton. "It's great to see him. I haven't seen him since he disappeared on us. The sport has missed him, and I've missed my battles with him. "So I'm very much looking forward to next year, seeing him back on the grid and having some great fights again." AnticipationMcLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh echoed Hamilton's keen anticipation of Massa's return. "You only have to spend 30 seconds in his presence to know he is going to be competitive next year," said Whitmarsh. "What a tough little guy. He looks in good shape even now, and that is fantastic for Formula One. "He drove a fantastic race here last year and put up a real fight with Lewis, and it's fantastic he is back, so I'm sure it's going to be an exciting year next year." Far from enjoying his role as a spectator, Massa expressed frustration at being on the Ferrari pitwall watching practice for his home race rather than being behind the wheel. "It's not easy not driving, just to be looking not doing anything, just discussing what is happening in practice," he said. "I want to be in the car, especially here in Brazil. It would have been fantastic to come back for this race. "But unfortunately we have to wait a bit more, to prepare for next year to be in great shape." Massa has made an astounding recovery, not just from the initial surgery, but also following a second operation to insert a titanium plate into his skull. "I'm very good," added Massa. "I'm quite happy things have gone well, and the recovery has been great. I can say I'm the same as I was before. "I can do everything like I was doing before. The only issue is that everything needs to be 100 per cent ready because our sport is a risk sport. "It's better to be 100 per cent, and that's why we are waiting a little more."