• Second Barcelona Test, Day Three

Upright problem to blame for loose Ferrari wheel

ESPN Staff
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Felipe Massa managed to bring the Ferrari to a controlled stop © Sutton Images
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A suspension upright problem on the Ferrari was to blame for Felipe Massa's dramatic conclusion to pre-season testing on Saturday.

With less than half an hour remaining in his final test day, Massa's front left wheel came detached at high speed on the run down to turn 10. He was able to bring the car to a controlled stop but it signalled the end of his day and he won't return to the cockpit of the F138 until the Australian Grand Prix later this month.

"A problem with the left front upright meant that Felipe had to stop the car on track, thus bringing a positive day to a slightly early end," Ferrari explained.

The issue will be further investigated overnight before Fernando Alonso returns to the cockpit for the final day of testing on Sunday. Aside from the problem, Massa completed aerodynamic tests in the morning before working on set-up and sampling the new super-soft tyre for this first time in the afternoon.

Massa's best time - a 1:21.266 - was the second fastest overall on Saturday and he completed 94 laps in total.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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