Michelin ‘veto’ Massa role

(GMM) Sauber's new tire supplier Michelin will ban team driver Felipe Massa from testing for Ferrari in 2005, it was revealed in the UK's expert press. Ferrari-powered Sauber, a partner of Ferrari's near exclusive tire supplier Bridgestone until now, made the switch to French rubber in a bid to move up the F1 grid. It is reported that Michelin's 'veto' compelled Ferrari to sign Marc Gene as a second full time test driver. Massa, who often tested a scarlet car for Ferrari in 2005, is under long term contract to the Maranello-based Scuderia. Meanwhile, other sources revealed that Michelin will also forbid Sauber from testing at Ferrari's private Fiorano track.