Schumacher is the prefect choice, says Massa

Massa returns home; says Ferrari chose the perfect replacement

Massa returns home; says Ferrari chose the perfect replacement

Felipe Massa believes Ferrari made the right call in asking Michael Schumacher to drive in his absence.

BACK HOME: Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, who underwent a life-saving surgery after a crash in Budapest, arrived at the Sao Paulo airport in Brazil late yesterday night. He was swiftly flown to the Albert Einstein hospital in a helicopter for check-up.

Massa yesterday left Budapest, where he underwent a life-saving surgery following an accident in the Hungarian Grand Prix, for Brazil where he will undergo treatment in Sao Paulo.

Massa will continue his recuperation from a fractured skull in his home city, with the only question mark appearing to be when he will return to Formula One.

Until then, seven-time world champion Schumacher will be behind the wheel, starting in Valencia with the European Grand Prix on August 23.

Schumacher visited Massa in hospital on Saturday, and although the 40-year-old has been in retirement for almost three years, no words of advice were required from the Brazilian.

"It was him who gave me many tips during my career when we were racing together, so I'm not in a position to say something to him," said Massa.

"He knows how to win, he knows how to drive and he's great. It was the best choice handing over the car to such a fantastic person.

"I'm sure everybody will be happy to see him back on the track again, although I hope I'll be back as soon as possible."

With a cheeky smile, Massa added: "If I'm at the track and I see he's driving a little wrong, then I will tell him straight away.

"But Michael knows exactly what he has to do."

Massa, in his first official interview since the accident, still has no recollection of the crash.

Massa was struck on the helmet, just over his left eye, at 162mph by a suspension spring that had worked loose off the Brawn GP of compatriot Rubens Barrichello before ploughing into a tyre barrier.

With the area around his left eye swollen, and sporting a long cut, Massa is anxious to return to F1 as soon as possible.