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Fisichella joins Ferrari for Formula One climax
The Italian veteran finally achieves his ambition after being released by Force India to replace Felipe Massa, after Lucas Badoer flops
Veteran Italian F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella is to finally achieve his lifelong ambition of driving for Ferrari - and will take his bow for the team in front of their adoring 'Tifosi' at their home Grand Prix in Monza.
The 36-year-old has signed for the Italian manufacturer for the remainder of the Formula One season after being released from his contract with Force India.
Fisichella will replace Luca Badoer as stand-in for Felipe Massa, who is still recovering from a freak accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he has hit in the head by a spring from another driver’s car while travelling at 160mph. Michael Schumacher had been lined up to replace Massa but a neck injury ruled out an emotional return to the sport for the seven-time world champion.
Badoer, Ferrari's test driver has failed to make an impact in the two races he has competed in - he started from last in both and finished well down the field.
Italian fans would not have accepted having to watch their team start from such a lowly position at their home Grand Prix, prompting Ferrari to turn to Fisichella.
The deal seemed to be in danger of collapse because of a dispute over money apparently owed by Force India to Ferrari. Fisichella's impressive display in the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, where he started from pole and finished second, also appeared to muddy the waters as marked the emergence of Force India as genuine competitors in the sport.
However, the obstacles have been overcome and Fisichella has been granted his wish.
"I am very grateful to [Force India owner] Vijay Mallya for allowing me this opportunity," said the 36-year-old Italian. "It has always been an ambition to do this, and for Vijay to have allowed it to become a reality is very generous. I hope in turn I have helped Force India grow up and be on the right path to achieve their own ambitions."
Fisichella will become the first Italian to race for the 'Prancing Horse' since Ivan Capelli in 1992, a fact that will further endear him to the Ferrari faithful. ·
