Badoer - Media to blame

Ferrari were pressured into decision, says Italian driver

Last updated: 6th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Badoer - Media to blame

Badoer: Angry with the media

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Luca Badoer says the media is responsible for Ferrari's decision to replace him for the rest of the Formula One season.

The 38-year-old driver was brought in to replace the injured Felipe Massa after Michael Schumacher's comeback to the sport was aborted.

After 10 years without a drive in competitive motorsport, Badoer qualified and finished last in each of his two races for the Italian team.

Ferrari opted to replace Badoer following his performance in Spa, where Kimi Raikkonen managed to win the race but his team-mate brought up the rear.

But the former Minardi driver thinks that pressure from the media was the true reason his team chose to give him the axe.

"Those who write don't understand how much harm they can cause. The media played a fundamental role in the decision to replace me," Badoer told Italian newspaper Gazzetta Sportiva.

Dream

Despite the unsatisfactory end to his time as a Formula One driver, Badoer says that he will still take fond memories from the last two races.

He added: "I realised my dream. I will always be able to tell my kids I raced two races for Ferrari, Maranello had faith in me. I only have one regret - from the third Grand Prix I would have done better.

"There was no agreement on how many races I would do. I thought I had time to improve. And these rules stop a reserve driver from testing and make him a victim, it happens only in Formula One."

Giancarlo Fisichella will step into the seat vacated by Badoer after an impressive performance in Belgium almost saw him snatch victory from Raikkonen.

Badoer, who says he will continue in his role as Ferrari test driver, realises that the former Force India driver is likely to be a lot quicker than he was.

"My intention is to stay. I am finished with races but my relationship with Ferrari continues," Badoer said.

"Giancarlo is a quick driver. I am happy for him, he has achieved his dream of driving a Ferrari and he will do better than me because he has been racing for years in F1 and knows the 2009 cars well. He can quickly aim for results."

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