Badoer to replace Massa at European GP

After the surprise withdrawal of Michael Schumacher due to neck problems, Ferrari has been quick to appoint Luca Badoer as the race driver at the next Grand Prix at Valencia. Badoer is Ferrari's long standing test driver and last competed in a race in 1999 for Minardi.

Announcing the decision, team president Luca di Montezemolo said: "I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing. In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been good for Formula 1 and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.

"In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances. In agreement with Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."