Formula One news

Fisichella to be Ferrari 2010 test driver

As well as confirming Giancarlo Fisichella as substitute for Felipe Massa for the remainder of the 2009 season, Ferrari also revealed on Thursday that the Italian will remain as reserve driver for the team next year, bringing the curtain down on a full-time Formula One race career after fourteen seasons.

With Fisichella, who finished second in the Belgian Grand Prix, replacing Luca Badoer for the rest of the year, Ferrari Team Manager Stefano Domenicali gave the Scuderia's motives.

Fisichella joins winner Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel and Domenicali on the Spa podium

"We chose Giancarlo because we think that he can make a significant contribution in terms of points during the finale of this uncertain season," explained Domenicali, who took over from Jean Todt at the start of last year.

"Furthermore, we considered what his role could be 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; we know that it will be difficult to keep the performance level we have 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."

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