Massa to wave checkered flag at Brazilian GP

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa is on the road to recovery following a near-fatal accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July when a piece of debris from another car struck him in the head and punctured his visor. CNN.com reports that the Brazilian driver is scheduled to wave the checkered flag to signify the conclusion of the Brazilian Grand Prix on October 18.

Massa will become the third celebrity to wave the checkered flag at the end of the race at Interlagos. Soccer star Pele and model Gisele Bundchen have also performed the duties.

Massa also completed two days inside a Ferrari Formula 1 simulator as he works towards his goal of returning to racing competition by the end of the 2009 Formula 1 season. After undergoing a physical examination this past Friday, Massa is scheduled to drive a 2007 Ferrari Formula 1 car with FIA officials in attendance to prove his fitness for returning to racing.