Badoer – It’ll be tough

Luca Badoer

Luca Badoer has admitted he faces a difficult task as Felipe Massa’s replacement at this weekend’s European Grand Prix.

The 38-year-old, who was drafted in by Ferrari after a neck injury forced Michael Schumacher to veto his own comeback, will make his first Formula One start in nearly 10 years on Sunday when he gets behind the wheel of Ferrari’s F60 in Valencia.Although Badoer is one of the Scuderia’s two test drivers, the in-season testing ban has left him unable to get much-needed mileage ahead of his race return.

The Italian has acknowledged the task he faces is a difficult one, Badoer telling Ferrari’s official website that he will simply try his best once practice starts on Friday.

“I am very motivated to make the most of this opportunity, even if I know I am facing a tough challenge, especially during the first couple of days in Valencia,” he said.

Real fright

“It will effectively be a test session for me, but I will be trying my best to secure a good result.”

Badoer replaces Massa after the Brazilian suffered serious injuries in an accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

Ferrari had announced that Schumacher would step into the breach, but the seven-times world champion called off his return last week.

“I have to say, my first thoughts when I take to the track will be for Felipe, because I got a real fright when I saw his accident,” Badoer added.

“I am delighted that he is making a good recovery and I hope he will be back racing as soon as possible.

“I have to add that I am also thinking of Michael, because having trained with him over the last few weeks, I know how much he wanted to make this comeback and how much effort he was putting into his preparation.”