Ferrari’s Felipe Massa returns to track for first time since life-threatening crash

Paul White/The Associated Press

Ferrari Formula One driver Felipe Massa sits in the new Ferrari during a testing session at the Ricardo Tormo race track just outside Valencia, Spain. (Feb,1, 2010)

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VALENCIA, SPAIN—Felipe Massa has driven a competitive Formula One car for the first time since a life-threatening crash last summer.

The Ferrari driver was among the first drivers out onto Valencia's Cheste Circuit as a three-day test session got the new campaign under way.

Massa, 28, suffered a skull fracture during a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Brazilian underwent lifesaving surgery and missed the remainder of the season.

Massa has driven several older model Ferraris since November, but Monday's outing was the first in the new F10 car.

Massa drives again on Tuesday before giving way to new teammate Fernando Alonso on Wednesday.

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