Michael Schumacher has cancelled his Formula One comeback as a result of a neck injury he suffered earlier this year in a motorcycle crash.
In a statement issued on his website, Schumacher said that he informed Ferrari last night he was not fit enough to race.
"Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and team principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe," he said.
"I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out.
"Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1 day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible."
"The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe.
"That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by F1 yet. These are the clear results of the examinations we did on the course of the past two weeks and the final examination on Monday afternoon.
"As there were no improvements after the day in Mugello, I decided at short notice on Sunday to do that thorough examination on Monday.
"I am disappointed to the core. 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."
Ferrari has subsequently announced its test driver Luca Badoer will stand in for Massa for the next event at Valencia.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing.
"In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been good for Formula One and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.
"In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances.
"In agreement with Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."
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