Even after so many years of doing it, driving a Formula 1 car here, so close to the spectators, so as to let them get a close up feel for the power of these cars is a feeling one never gets used to. Plus, today’s experience was more emotional than usual, because it is my last appearance in my role as official Ferrari test driver. The thing I will miss most is driving the Formula 1 car. I have never been one for the bright lights, as the one and only thing I wanted centred on my job of taking a car to its limits, working out where there was room for improvement. Although this is something I have missed for quite a while now, as testing has been cut back and there is not much for a test driver to do.

Тhe only regret is that I was only able to do two races. The team had confidence in me at that time and that is something I will always be grateful for. Unfortunately, at the time, I had not been driving for ten months and found myself at the wheel of a car that was difficult to adapt to and so I could not show what I could do.

Alonso is a great champion, a driver who will be able to win a lot, especially because of his great ability to work closely with the team. Massa had a difficult season, but with fewer problems, he will return to being a great driver and I know him well enough to know that’s true.

There are so many, too many people, who have been with me on this long journey. It is the strength of Ferrari that I will always feel close to these people.