Williams team principal Frank Williams has welcomed Felipe Massa's forthcoming test in a 2007 Ferrari, just over two months after his near-fatal accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session. Massa has been out of action ever since, having been hit on the head by a loose spring, causing multiple skull fractures.

However, after getting behind the wheel of a kart for the first time since his accident last week, Ferrari successfully sought permission from race stewards at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix to test the F2007 at Fiorano on GP2-spec tyres.

Frank Williams said Massa's early return was a tribute to the high safety in F1 today. “I would like to wish Felipe well with his return to a Formula One car next week,” said Frank. [quoe]It is a tribute to the safety standards of Formula One today, and of course to Felipe's characteristic determination and drive, that he is making his return so soon.

“I hope that the test proves a successful step in his rehabilitation.”

Williams said the test was approved to take place on Monday, 12 October.