Massa happy with return

Felipe Massa has brushed aside any doubts over his ability to compete again in Formula One by insisting: "I'm 100% ready to return to racing."

It was a remarkable day for the sport on Monday in Valencia as the top three on the timesheets were all making a comeback, with Ferrari driver Massa leading the way ahead of Pedro de la Rosa and the man of the moment in Michael Schumacher.

Massa's return was highly significant as it was just six months ago he required life-saving surgery after his smash in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Brazilian has a four-inch scar above his left eye from where a suspension spring struck him, and a metal plate was later inserted to help repair his fractured skull.

Although Massa has since competed in karting and driven a 2008-spec Ferrari in a recent private test, Monday was still a landmark day for the 28-year-old, who said: "I'm happy to be back after such a long time watching the races on television, and sometimes at the track.

"I feel very good from a physical point of view. I did 100 laps, but I could have done much more.

"After the difficult time I had it's always nice to get back on the track and be competitive. For me, the day was normal."

Asked if he was afraid at any stage, he replied: "Zero afraid, and Hungary did not come into my mind at all.

"It was a very positive day, and the car behaved very well. It felt easier to drive compared to last year when it was always difficult to find the right direction and balance.

"Although this is just one day, at least it was quite positive and easier to find the direction, set-up and balance. But it's not enough. There's still a lot of work to do to improve the car until the first race, which is the most important thing."