[Werner333]

Having announced on 15 January 2003 that Luciano Burti had renewed his testing conract for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, it has come as a surprise that Ferrari today announced that Felipe Massa would take his place and that Burti would leave the team.

Burti had done much of the testing so far this year alongside Luca Badoer, who will stay with the team, althought both Schumacher and Barrichello have now also been putting in the miles.

Massa had been hoping for a Jordan drive this season but failed to land it when the team announced that Ralph Firman had got the drive with some financial backing.

Burti said "I had a deal with [Ferrari] for the 2003 season, but I decided to return to racing. Due to my good relationship with the team, they agreed to release me, and we will keep a close link for future opportunities with Ferrari and Maserati."

It is thought that Burti may find a drive in Formula Nissan.

Bron: http://www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk