Luciano Burti Joins Scuderia Ferrari
16.11.01

In a surprise move, Ferrari have today announced that Luciano Burti will join Scuderia Ferrari for the 2002 season as test driver alongside Luca Badoer.

Following his big accident in the Prost at the Spa GP, Burti cast doubt on ever racing again in F1. Although his injuries were not severe, he has suffered a number of large accidents during his first full F1 season, including a terrifying roll at the beginning of the German GP when he was launched over the back of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari.

The deal looks to have ruled out any chance of Burti returning to racing in Formula 1 in the near future, after being forced to step down from Prost for the final three races of this season as he recovered from his injuries. With the future of Prost Grand Prix uncertain, and only Arrows and Minardi with race seats still open, a test deal with F1's top team is a good option for the 26-year-old.

By having a second test driver Ferrari have made clear their commitment to continue their current domination of the F1 scene into 2002; undoubtedly it will also relieve the workload on Michael Schumacher who increasingly enjoys being with his young family.

It will give Burti the chance to work with his close friend Rubens Barrichello, who is heading into his third season with Ferrari. The pair lived together in England when Burti first came over to Europe from Brazil to race in the junior categories.

Click here to return to the Ferrari Happenings page.