Felipe Massa has admitted to being a frustrated spectator on his return to the Formula One paddock in his home country of Brazil.

Massa insists he is no different now than prior to his accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July when he required life-saving surgery.

However, although he was behind the wheel of a 2007-spec Ferrari on Monday, it has been decided that any comeback will now be next year rather than in the final race of this season in Abu Dhabi on November 1.

Naturally, Massa was welcomed back with open arms today by a number of people, including Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

But it was possible to sense a degree of unhappiness that the 28-year-old was on the Ferrari pit wall watching practice for his home race, rather than being behind the wheel.

"It's not easy not driving, just to be looking not doing anything, just discussing what is happening in practice," said Massa.

"I want to be in the car, especially here in Brazil. It would have been fantastic to come back for this race.

"But unfortunately we have to wait a bit more, to prepare for next year to be in great shape."

Massa has made an astonishing recovery, not only from the initial surgery, but requiring a second operation only three weeks ago when he had a titanium plate inserted in his skull.

"I'm very good," added Massa.

"I'm quite happy things have gone well, and the recovery has been great. I can say I'm the same as I was before.

"I can do everything like I was doing before. The only issue is that everything needs to be 100 per cent ready because our sport is a risk sport.

"It's better to be 100 per cent, and that's why we are waiting a little more."