Ferrari’s latest track-only machine, the 599XX, has finally made its debut on the tarmac, at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit in Spain. Driving the car for the first time was F1 pilot Felipe Massa, who commented: “I really enjoyed testing this car, I think it’s extremely powerful and has an exceptional stability. Considering that it has been planned for the track it’s really easy to drive.”

That is quite a testament to the car’s capabilities, especially considering it makes an unwieldy 700-hp at 9000 rpm, from its 6.0-liter V12 engine and runs on racing slicks.

Ferrari debuted the car ahead of its first official 2010 season Formula One test at the Valencia track, and brought out all the 599XX owners to participate. Ferrari will organize a series of track events for 599XX owners over the course the next year in Europe, America and Asia.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599XX Track Debut in Valencia

See after the jump for video of the first official track test of the 599XX

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Sadly, Michael Schumacher will not return to Formula 1 this weekend, although there is a possibility that the 7 time World Champion will be back in 2010. Schumacher today posted on his personal website that he could not return to the sport after recent testing at Ferrari’s private track in Mugello revealed fractures in his neck from a motorcycle crash earlier this year.

“I am disappointed to the core,” wrote Schumacher. “I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races.” 

So with Schumacher out of the running to replace the injured Felipe Massa for this weekend’s race in Valencia, Spain, Ferrari was left to choose between two less than ideal candidates, Marc Gene or Luca Badoer. Gene hasn’t raced an F1 car since 2004, and it’s been a decade since Badoer last did. Still, today Badoer got the call from Ferrari head Luca di Montezemolo that his services were needed back in the big leagues.

Schumacher’s announcement, however, does not mean that a comeback is impossible; at least according to di Montezemolo who is pushing for a rule change that would allow Ferrari to run three cars in 2010, one of which would be piloted (at least in part) by Schumacher.

[Source: F1Live and AutoSport]

[Photo Credit: Kappakstur]