Formula One news

Mallya: No-one should stand in the way

Vijay Mallya sees no problems with Giancarlo Fisichella being released to move to Ferrari for the remainder of the season. The Italian, who scored Force India's first points with a podium finish in Belgium, has overseen the entire project for the Silverstone team since its F1 induction at the start of last year.

The confirmation of Fisichella's move brings an end to much speculation

With Fisichella having finished second to Kimi Räikkönen at Spa-Francorchamps whilst Ferrari reserve driver Luca Badoer remained off the pace, the Maranello team brought an end to much speculation this week by confirming Fisichella's role with the team until the end of this season.

"Giancarlo and his management team approached me yesterday (Wednesday) with the proposal from Ferrari," explained the Force India Chairman. "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.

Fisichella was one half of Force India's first driver line-up

"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." This comment could hint that Fisichella will remain at Ferrari, most likely as reserve driver, for the 2010 season.

"We would like to stress that we have not agreed any financial settlement with Ferrari. This agreement has been made in good faith and for the good of Giancarlo and the sport in general. A competitive Italian driver in a Ferrari for Monza is a positive story for Formula One, which can only help raise the sport's profile in these difficult times.

Man most likely: Liuzzi is tipped as Fisichella's replacement

"We would like to thank Giancarlo for all his help over the past one and a half seasons and for delivering us our first World Championship points last weekend. He has been an integral part of the team and we owe him a great deal for his input behind the scenes and performance out on track. We wish him all the best for the future."

Force India test driver Vitantonio Liuzzi is expected to make a return for the first time since 2007 in order to replace Fisichella and partner Adrian Sutil at the Italian Grand Prix.

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