Due to the in-season testing ban imposed by the FIA for 2009, Badoer's only laps with the Number 3 F60 happened during the “promotional filming” of the Scuderia at Fiorano circuit on Monday and Tuesday. Badoer completed about 200 km on the F60 – allegedly for promotional purposes – fit with ultra-hard Bridgestone tires.
However, talking about his first F1 start for Ferrari, Badoer reckoned he doesn't expect to perform very convincing at Valencia, as he regards his outing in the European Grand Prix as an “official testing session.”
“I have a good impression and it’s obvious that there’s a difficult task waiting for me at Valencia: the first race will help me to get back into the rhythm of a Formula 1 weekend. I haven’t set myself any goals, just to end the race,” said Badoer after the 2-day “filming session” at Fiorano.
The Italian driver also reckoned Michael Schumacher's presence at Valencia will help him even more, as he expects to benefit from good racing tips from the 7-time world champion.
“I’m glad that Michael will be with the team, I’m sure he can give me some important tips. Over the last days we’ve spoken very often and we even trained together when he was still trying to get ready to race,” added Badoer, who also admitted he feels sorry that his dream of competing for Ferrari came detrimental to Michael Schumacher's return.
“I was really sad, because I know how much he would have liked it. Although I am now able to make my dream come true, I am his friend, his admirer and his fan,” added the 38-year old.
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