As the controversy over last weekend's German Grand Prix continues, the man at the heart of it, Felipe Massa, claims that he is not Ferrari's number two driver and would retire if he thought that were the case.

Rubens Barrichello has expressed his sympathy for close friend and fellow countryman Felipe Massa, who lost the lead of the German Grand Prix on Sunday due to Ferrari team orders – raising various similarities to the situation the Williams driver found himself in at the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix.

Felipe Massa has insisted that he will not be playing a permanent supporting role to Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso, after being asked to give way to the Spaniard in last Sunday’s German Grand Prix.

Britain’s James Calado led the way as the two British Formula 3 practice sessions took place at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Thursday. The Carlin driver was forced to adapt to changeable conditions, though, as the Ardennes venue’s microclimate proved its worth once again.

Felipe Massa insists he is not playing second fiddle to Fernando Alonso, despite controversy surrounding the Ferrari drivers in last weekend's German Grand Prix.

Carlin’s Lucas Foresti will be unable to compete in this weekend’s two GP3 races at the Hungaroring as he will instead be racing in the British Formula 3 rounds at Spa-Francorchamps. Instead, Portugal’s António Félix da Costa will be present in Budapest.

Rain is likely to hit the Hungaroring at some point over the weekend and local forecasts dictate that downpours could particularly affect proceedings for qualifying day in Budapest.

The number of tethers required to hold lose Formula 1 wheels in place will be doubled ahead of the 2011 season, it has been confirmed by McLaren’s Paddy Lowe. The parts attempt to prevent wheels from flying off cars during accidents.

Michael Schumacher admits that he spoke with former team-mate Felipe Massa after the Ferrari driver was saddened to yield to team-mate Fernando Alonso in last Sunday’s German Grand Prix.

It has been confirmed that, following his Hockenheim crash, Manor Racing’s James Jakes will not be able to compete in Hungary this weekend. Instead, Adrien Tambay – son of former Formula 1 winner Patrick – will make his GP3 debut at the Hungaroring.