Massa completes first F1 test since accident

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa took his first test drive in a Formula One car since a life-threatening accident earlier this year.

The Brazilian drove a F2007 today at Ferrari's private test track.

Massa was knocked unconscious by a loose car part in qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July and crashed into a safety barrier. He injured his left eye area and required surgery and later had a metal plate inserted.

After an initial lap to get reoriented, Massa returned to the garage briefly and then headed back out on the track, according to the ANSA news agency.

On Saturday, Massa was cleared in medical exams with governing body FIA at a hospital in Paris.

While he has hinted several times since the accident that he would like to return for the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP on 1 November, Ferrari have now confirmed that Massa won't race again until next season.