Badoer to keep Massa's seat warm

Veteran Italian Luca Badoer will retain his place as injured Felipe Massa's replacement in the Ferrari team for next weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, team boss Stefano Domenicali said.

Despite another slow performance that ended with him finishing last in the European Grand Prix, after a weekend of poor laps and penalties, the 38-year-old test driver is likely to be retained because of Ferrari's family values.

Domenicali said: "We will speak together but I think it is important to keep up Luca because he is a real team player and this is important in Ferrari."

When he was asked directly if he believed Badoer would be racing again at Spa-Francorchamps, he said: "Yes, I think so."

He added: "It was important for him to finish. It was difficult you know. We need to stay cool and calm and we know that it was important for Luca to finish. I respect that."