Force India expecting Fisichella-Ferrari move

[Dare]

I hope this is just a rumor and that if it isn't Fisi
stays at Force India.It could leave him driveless next year.




Force India expecting Fisichella-Ferrari move
31 August 2009

Force India Commercial Director Ian Phillips has admitted that the Silverstone-based team expects to be contacted by Ferrari this week in order to place Giancarlo Fisichella alongside Kimi Räikkönen for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Sources say that an announcement is expected by the Scuderia on Tuesday.

Fisichella resolutely challenged Räikkönen for the win on Sunday
Fisichella resolutely challenged Räikkönen for the win on Sunday

With Italian Fisichella having driven an incredible race to finish less than a second behind Räikkönen at Spa, Phillips told BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday morning that a call from Ferrari is now expected. "We do expect a move will probably be made in the next twenty-four hours or so," he said after Ferrari reserve driver Luca Badoer finished last of the runners for the second race in succession in Belgium.

"Nobody's asked us yet but I think it's pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call to Vijay Mallya (Force India co-owner) over the next twenty-four hours or so, asking if we would release him to Ferrari."

Force India Commercial Director Phillips enjoys a joke with team co-owner Vijay Mallya
Force India Commercial Director Phillips enjoys a joke with team co-owner Vijay Mallya

With Fisichella contracted to Force India until the end of the season, does Phillips see Ferrari paying a required fee for the loaning of the F1 veteran? "I don't think they have really got any options," he continued. "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.

"They're going to have to put somebody in there who can basically run around with Räikkönen at the front of the field." With regards to the Maranello team, no representative could confirm anything over the matter at the weekend although no predictions of Fisichella's move have been denied either. The almost certain replacement at Force India would be another Italian in reserve driver Vitantonio Liuzzi.

[cosworth151]

On the other hand, it could be good for both Fisi and FIF1. The team would get a healthy chunk of cash. When Fisi returned, he would have first hand info on Ferrari.

For Fisi, he could fulfill his dream of driving, and maybe even winning, for Ferrari.

That said, I think Tonio, Ant or Marc Gene have a better shot at the seat.

[John S]

I think this is the reason everyone expects Mallya to let Fisi go to Ferrari if he gets a call.

"AUTOSPORT understands that Force India still has outstanding debts with Ferrari as a hangover from its customer engine deal, and it is not clear what influence these will have on any negotiations between the two teams regarding Fisichella."

Autosport, Today.

[lkjohnson1950]

At the end of the race broadcast, Speed said if the call comes Fisi will go and Mallya is OK with that. They did not give a source for that info though.

Lonny

[Jericoke]

At the end of the race broadcast, Speed said if the call comes Fisi will go and Mallya is OK with that. They did not give a source for that info though.

Lonny

If the circumstances came... I don't see Mallya standing in the way of Fisi's dream.  Who wants a resentful driver?

I have to say this weekend has given me respect for Mallya.  FIF1 has been genuinely built into a top performing squad.  I know one race isn't much to go on, but Fisi's drive wasn't a fluke, and neither was the car.