Angry for losing his racing seat to Fisichella, Badoer also found the ones guilty for Ferrari's decision to replace him. According to the 38-year old test/reserve/race driver, the media were the ones who put pressure on the Scuderia following his poor results in Valencia and Spa-Francorchamps.
Badoer argued that the Formula One rule book prevented him from making a successful return to the sport, as he wasn't provided with any chances to test the F60 prior to the European Grand Prix. In addition, the immense criticism from the media – who also nicknamed him 'Look-How Bad-You-Are', according to a report by the GMM news agency – added to the difficult circumstances of his comeback.
“Those who write don't understand how much harm they can cause. The media played a fundamental role in the decision to replace me,” Badoer was quoted as saying in an interview with Italy's Gazzetta Sportiva.
In addition, the limited track testing imposed by the FIA only made things worst, as it caused reserve drivers to step into the 2009 challengers totally unfit for racing.
“These rules stop a reserve driver from testing and make him a victim – it happens only in Formula One,” added the Italian driver, who insisted he will continue to be test driver for the Scuderia for the remainder of the 2010 season (at the end of which his deal will run out).
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