Massa set for FIA medical checks in Paris
The Paulista is now back in training after recovering from his serious head injuries sustained in July's Hungaroring qualifying, but his return at Interlagos has been ruled out.
Instead, he will travel to his local circuit simply to be with his Ferrari team colleagues for the first time since his accident, and to greet the winner with the famous black and white flag.
It is rumored that, after a medical thumbs-up by the FIA on Friday, and a test in a two-year-old Ferrari early next week, Massa could then make his return in Abu Dhabi for the 2009 season finale.
Interlagos, otherwise known as the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, was the scene of high drama a year ago, when 28-year-old Massa won in front of his ardent countrymen and for a few seconds seemed to have snatched Lewis Hamilton's world championship from the jaws of defeat.
10/08/09 (GMM) Despite earlier disputing claims Felipe Massa will make his return to the cockpit of a F1 car after the forthcoming weekend, Ferrari now admits the Brazilian could be ready for his run in the two-year-old F2007 next Monday.
In a statement of support this week, Sir Frank Williams revealed that stewards at Suzuka last weekend gave the famous Italian team clearance for Massa's October 12 test at Fiorano.
A spokesman initially denied the date, but Ferrari now admits: "Early next week, maybe already on Monday, Felipe will finally get back on the track in a real formula one single seater".
Massa, 28, has been at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters since Monday, racking up hours in the driver simulator at nearby Modena, alongside his engineer Rob Smedley.
The activity sparked rumors Massa might attempt a return to racing action next weekend at Interlagos, but it is believed a more realistic early target is the 2009 finale at Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari has confirmed that the driver, seriously injured in a qualifying crash in July, will be Fernando Alonso's full time teammate in 2010.
The team said: "On Friday he (Massa) will fly to Paris for check-ups under the eyes of the FIA, before he will come back to Italy."