Ferrari have announced that Giancarlo Fisichella will be racing for the team for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season. The Italian will race alongside Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen before becoming Ferrari s reserve driver for 2010.
The announcement will not come as a shock to many after Luca Badoer s less than sterling performances at the past two races, it was almost certain that he would be replaced with another driver. Most rumours centred on Fisichella being tipped to make the move from Force India to the scarlet-clad racing team.
“I’m in seventh heaven,” Fisichella told the official Ferrari website. “I still can’t believe it – that the dream of my life comes true, and I want to thank Ferrari and Chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
“Over the last week some really incredible things happened to me – the pole position and then second place at Spa and now I’m called by Ferrari to race the last five races of the season for them.
“I’ll give my best to recompense the Scuderia for this great opportunity they gave me.
“I know that it won’t be easy, but I’ll give it everything to gain the best possible results.”
Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali commented, “We chose Giancarlo because we think that he can make a significant contribution in terms of points during the finale of this uncertain season.
“Furthermore we considered what could be his role inside the team in the near future, also taking this year’s experiences into account. He will be the reserve driver in 2010.
“I want to thank Vijay Mallya and Force India F1 for giving Giancarlo the possibility to cancel his contract in such a happy moment for the team, allowing him to crown his dream as a driver.
“Now we have to concentrate on Monza, an event we really care for in a very special way.
“e know that it will be difficult to keep the performance level we had over the last Grands Prix, but we’ll give our best to entertain our fans and I hope there will be lots of them at the track to support us.”
