Official: Fisichella is going to Ferrari
Fisichella will race for Ferrari in Monza
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Thursday, 03, Sep 2009 03:13
By Adam Leveridge
Force India confirmed this afternoon that Giancarlo Fisichella has been released from his contract and will be racing for Ferrari in place of Luca Badoer for the remainder of the season.
Earlier this week it was announced that Felipe Massa will be out of action for the rest of the season while he recovers from the injuries he suffered in an accident during qualifying for the Hungarian grand prix.
Luca Badoer stepped in for the recovering Brazilian after working for Ferrari as test driver for over a decade.
Unfortunately, poor results in both the European grand prix in Valencia and the Belgian grand prix last weekend has forced the Italian team to take action, approaching Fisichella following his shock second place finish at Spa last weekend.
"I am very grateful to Vijay Mallya for allowing me this opportunity to drive for the Scuderia Ferrari," said Fisichella.
"It is true that it has always been an ambition to do this, and for Vijay Mallya to have allowed it to become a reality is very generous.
"I hope in my turn I have helped Force India grow up and be on the right path to achieve their own ambitions. They are now a very competitive team and I wish them all the very best."
Force India team principal Vijay Maliya said that he couldn't stand in Fisichella's way, as it is his dream to race for Ferrari.
"Giancarlo and his management team approached me yesterday with the proposal from Ferrari," said Mallya.
"For any Italian driver, a Ferrari race seat is a long-held dream and for Giancarlo it was no exception. No one should stand in the way of this.
"Furthermore the agreement will secure Giancarlo's long-term future with Ferrari and it would be incorrect to jeopardise this, particularly when Giancarlo has made such a vital contribution to Force India."
Ferrari currently lie third in the constructors table and are looking to extend their advantage over the rejuvenated McLaren team at Monza.