Reports Say Massa Could Race at Monza

The media reports regarding Felipe Massa's potential return to Formula One from as early as this year's Italian Grand Prix are getting more optimistic by the day. As it started only as a rumor a few days ago, it seems the Brazilian's recovery is going very smooth lately, and that makes everybody back at Maranello hopeful that the 2008 runner-up could indeed make his comeback into the Ferrari F60 cockpit from as early as Monza.

After Rubens Barrichello's visit last weekend, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali also paid Massa a visit on Sunday, at his home at Sao Paolo. On his return to Italy, the Italian boss expressed his enthusiasm over the Brazilian's recovery programme, but insisted nobody should hurry in making a dramatic decision within the next few weeks.

“Felipe is in excellent form and his recovery is going very well. I'm very happy about Felipe's state. The medical checks, which have been carried out over the last two weeks, continue to be very encouraging. Now it's important to be patient and take one step at a time, without any hurry,” said Domenicali, according to Ferrari's official site.

Building on Domenicali's comments, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claimed the 28-year old Brazilian could be ready for race in less than a month, just in time for Ferrari's home race at Monza. However, the aforementioned report was not based on any medical investigations or comments from the Ferrari officials.

Following his recovery at home, Massa is due to undergo a medical examination in Paris in early September, that could result in a clear verdict regarding his F1 return. Should the Brazilian be given green light to step into the F60 cockpit, Massa will resume F1 training back in Italy.