Force India say they expect yesterday’s second-placed hero Giancarlo Fisichella to be called by Ferrari in the next 24 hours. Fisichella has been linked with the seat of Luca Badoer, his underperforming compatriot, for the next race at Monza, Ferrari’s home grand prix.
Ferrari have yet to confirm anything, but Force India commercial director Ian Phillips told the BBC this morning that his team were waiting for the phone call.
“Nobody’s asked us yet but I think it’s pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call to (Force India team boss) Vijay Mallya over the next 24 hours or so asking if we would release him to Ferrari.
“Ferrari being Ferrari, it’s their home race at Monza, which is a place with a cauldron-like atmosphere, particularly for the Italians – seats will be thrown on the track if Ferrari aren’t doing well.
“So they’re going to have to put sombody in there who can basically run around with Raikkonen at the front of the field.”
Fisichella put in an excellent performance yesterday in an underdog car to advertise that his speed was very much intact. He refused to comment on the link with Ferrari, but most consider that he would jump at the chance.
