Massa starts Ferrari tests - Schumacher expected to drive as well

By Bernhard Krieger Jan 15, 2007, 12:50 GMT

Maranello, Italy - Felipe Massa drove the first test laps in the new Ferrari Formula One car on Monday while Michael Schumacher is also expected to get behind the steering wheel of the F2007.

The seven-time world champion Schumacher retired from F1 racing last year but came to Maranello for Sunday's presentation of the 2007 model.

'It was an unusual feeling to see him as a spectator and not as a driver. But Michael said 'no' when he was asked whether he misses racing,' said Ferrari general director Jean Todt, the former team chief.

However, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo expressed his belief late Sunday in an Italian TV interview that Schumacher will want a first-hand look at the new car.

'I believe that he will soon test the new Ferrari,' said di Montezemolo.

Schumacher had a first-hand look Sunday at the car together with Massa and Kimi Raikkonen, the Finn who replaced him at the famed Italian team.

Di Montezemolo said that Massa was the natural choice to start the tests for the season starting on March 18 'because he can compare it to the 2006 car.

Massa started the tests in thick fog on Monday with Raikkonen, who came to Ferrari from McLaren-Mercedes, not set to drive until Sunday.

Di Montezemolo said that Ferrari aims for the top again in 2007 after Fernando Alonso won the drivers title and his Renault team the constructors crown in 2005 and 2006.

'They must win the title,' said di Montezemolo.

The Ferrari boss said that Raikkonen had the class to lift Ferrari to the top again.

'He is concentrated and fast. I believe that the right moment to win has come for him in his career,' he said.