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Schumacher Backs Badoer for Massa's Job

Michael Schumacher was the first public figure to back Ferrari's decision to appoint test driver Luca Badoer as replacement for the injured Felipe Massa. Of course, most of you would argue that his comments come as natural, as the 40-year old German is still on Ferrari's payroll, but Schumacher begged to differ.

The 7-time world champion insisted that Badoer was the best man for the job – despite Carlos Gracia's comments yesterday – and the long period of time in which he hasn't been active inside the sport will not count very much at Valencia.

Luca is a very good friend. He has prepared himself quite strongly in order to be ready for all the years because this was his main job, - to be ready for testing and in case something happened. So he is not somebody that has been sitting quietly around not doing anything,” said Schu in an interview to the media, in Geneva.

He has always been ready and naturally he has worked out very hard since Felipe's accident. We had said that I first need to confirm if I physically could do it and therefore it was always normal for him to keep himself on the fitness level he would need.”

I don't see any reason from his knowledge and knowing the team, I think he is the best one. Yes, he hasn't raced for a long time, but a racer doesn't lose the racing spirit and I wish him well for a difficult task. It's a tough thing to face but if I see anyone it can be Luca,” added Schumacher.

Badoer is yet to score a point in Formula One, despite making 48 starts in the Great Circle. The last time he actually raced an F1 machinery was in the 1999 Japanese Grand Prix, at Suzuka, for Fondmetal Minardi Ford.
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