Formula One news

Di Montezemolo: Fisichella deserving of Ferrari drive

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo believes that Giancarlo Fisichella deserved to race a Ferrari in Formula One in this, the Italian's fourteenth season in the sport. However, with only five races left to run this season, Ferrari continues its battle for third overall in the Constructors' Championship.

Currently on 56 points, Ferrari holds the top three spot although McLaren lies 12 behind with Toyota a further 5.5 back. "I chose Fisichella for several reasons, the first being that he deserves it," di Montezemolo explained to Italian television broadcaster TG1. "He is on great form and an expert driver.

Fisichella finished less than a second behind Räikkönen in Belgium on Sunday

"On top of that, we all want to have an Italian driver in our car at Monza and, finally - looking at it in the long-term - he will be our third driver (in 2010). "It is an important moment after a great win for Kimi Räikkönen; we also have the good and important news that Felipe Massa is recovering well and will be more than ready for the first race of next season."

Also noting that he would have liked to seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher racing, di Montezemolo thanked the team's reserve driver for his recent efforts: "I wish to thank Luca Badoer who, once again, has been so willing with Ferrari."

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