Felipe Massa is doing OK but Ferrari is still looking for fresh talent

uring an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali admitted it is Ferrari’s fault it is currently effectively a one-car operation led by Kimi Raikkonen following the injury sustained in Hungary by Felipe Massa.

Contrary to many other major teams which run a young drivers programme with the aim of eventually selecting and promoting them to Formula One, Ferrari has no such structure in place.

With Felipe Massa taken out of the medium-term picture by his head wound, the Italian team could not fall back on younger talent and offer them an opportunity behind the wheel of a Ferrari F60.

Instead, Michael Schumacher was asked to step in after nearly three years of retirement, but could not because of a neck injury. Long-time Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer was then given the race seat, but after a decade away from active Grand Prix participation, his last-place results might see him replaced after only two races.

Although the team’s other test driver, the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Marc Gene, is a possibility, speculation is also running high that Force India driver Giancarlo Fisichella might be temporarily brought aboard.

Other names are circulating as well, but it all comes down to the lack of a Ferrari young drivers programme to count on.

"Yes, that is a weak point of ours," Domenicali commented to Die Welt, referring to the team’s need to turn to the struggling Badoer.

"In the last years Ferrari missed the opportunity to install a young driver programme, but we are going to work on that," the Italian announced.

Massa hungary

Schumacher

Luca Badoer

Fernando Alonso

after his amazing performance at Spa Giancarlo

set up a junior development program in case this happens in the future

winning grand prixs is so important that they are willing to invest a tremendous amount just so that they will be prepared when the next big tragedy strikes