Ferrari say they can count on Massa for 2010

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - Injured Formula One driver Felipe Massa will be 100 percent ready to race again by next season, Ferrari said on Tuesday after the Brazilian underwent more checks in Miami.

A spokesman ruled out a return this year, however, with Massa due to have plastic surgery in the next few days before starting physical exercise after a further period of recuperation.

"The checks...all had a positive outcome, just like the eye exam: everything is in order for Felipe to get back to racing," Ferrari said on their website (www.ferrari.com).

Massa, who suffered life-threatening injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July when he was hit on the head by bouncing debris in qualifying, flew to Miami on Sunday to see leading motorsport neurosurgeon Steve Olvey.

The champions said that Massa would have plastic surgery where his skull was fractured by the bouncing spring, weighing almost a kilo, that hit his helmet over the left eye in Budapest.

"After a short convalescence, Felipe can then gradually start with physical preparations," the team added.

"Naturally the results were received with great joy and satisfaction at Maranello with the prospect to be able to count on Felipe 100 percent for the start of the next racing season."

There are five races remaining this season, with the last in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 1. Massa had hoped to be back by his home grand prix at Interlagos on Oct. 18.