Minardi driver and Ferrari's test driver, Luca Badoer, spoke out today for the first time about his feelings regarding Ferrari's choice to recruit Mika Salo and Michael Schumacher's replacement, rather than he himself.

"I'm very disappointed with that decision," said Badoer. "I do not agree with it because I think I was the right person. I'm under contract for that job, I am their test driver." Badoer says he asked the team why he was not chosen, and "they said it would be too much pressure on me [because I am Italian] and everyone else in the team. I do not agree with this. I know myself. I have a very strong character and mind. I know I could have coped with the pressure. However, this is something that only I know.

"But I have to accept the decision. The best thing for me is to do is to just forget it. I'm upset but my relationship with the team is like before. I'm a professional and next week I will test the Ferrari car as best as possible - nothing has changed in that respect."