Felipe Massa defines the Ferrari 599XX as a “splendid” car in this track debut video. The 599 XX first appeared at the 2009 Geneva motor show as a lighter version of the 599 GTB Fiorano. The XX has a massive 690 hp, but according to Massa it is really easy to drive, given its great stability.

The engine of the 599XX is lighter, but other features have also reduced weight such as the carbon ceramic brakes and extensive use of carbon-fibre and alluminium in the chassis. The track event for the 599XX was part of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti program (racing customers) where ‘ordinary’ customer folk get technical assistance and whatnot to drive around the track. It’s likely that the 599XX will get to America and Asia as well, as part of the Corse Clienti program.

Ferrari 599 XX track debut with Massa

Continue reading: Ferrari 599XX track debut with Felipe Massa

This video probably won’t last very long so get it while it’s hot. Ferrari president Luca Cordero de Montezemolo drove a Ferrari California, with Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso on board, into the gravel at the end of the world championships in Valencia. In hilarious scenes, Montezemolo gets himself deeper with the sand making a nice little mountain around the rear wheels.

With Massa and Alonso getting out of the car, a few technicians turn up to try and push it out, but in the end Montezemolo and the guys had to complete the round with a different vehicle. If you’re a bit anti-supercar, this is an example of the total impracticality of buying one. I love the fact the two Formula One drivers get the hell out of there and leave Montezemolo in his Ferrari, all at sea.

Source | Motorsportblog via Autoblog.it

Continue reading: Ferrari president drives California into the dirt with Massa and Alonso on board

Michael Schumacher has withdrawn from his temporary substitution of Felipe Massa in Formula One racing due to neck problems from an injury he sustained while motorcycling earlier this year. Schumacher’s injury is more serious than previously imagined, as he is suffering neck fractures which give him significant pain when under the stress of F1 driving.

It now seems that reserve and Ferrari’s test driver Luca Badoer will take the wheel, although the last time that Badoer raced F1 was back in 1999 at the European Grand Prix. We wish him a successful campaign, and hope he has some fun!

Continue reading: Michael Schumacher out of F1

While we now focus on Michael Schumacher returning to F1 racing, we have a fingers crossed that Felipe Massa will fully return to live his life as previously. Apparently his condition has improved such that he may soon be able to return home to start his rehabilitation.

According to reports, Massa is to check out of hospital on Monday and return to San Paolo for further treatment. His physician has said that Massa has no damage to his right eye and that he will go back to racing as soon possible, saying this is all we need to know of his condition.

Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher has started training for his first appearance in Formula One since he retired, getting some practice in before Valencia. Schumacher has driven the F2007 of a collector on the Mugello circuit, and been in a simulator to get his body used to this kind of driving again.

The aim is for him to be as prepared as possible for the physical forces of racing, without breaching the stringent testing guidelines of the Formula One competition. Schumacher will drive Massa’s F60 and the plan is to finish the season with the veteran German at the wheel.

Source | Autoblog and Motorsportblog

Continue reading: Massa to return home as Schumacher starts training