Italy’s inconsistent Giancarlo Fisichella has secured the last available seat on the 2008 Formula One grid, tailender Force India announcing that the former Australian Grand Prix winner will join incumbent Adrian Sutil this season.
Vitantonio Liuzzi is the test and reserve drive.
Fisichella, 34, apparently impressed the team with his strong contribution during
Force India's four-day test in Jerez, Spain, at the end of 2007. He also brings 12 seasons of experience to Force India, following stints at Minardi, Force India's predecessor Jordan, Benetton, Sauber and most recently Renault.
Fisichella has won three grands prix and has amassed 267 world championship points.
“Contrary to what people may think, this [Force India] was not my only opportunity; it was the best one,” said Fisichella.
“With new owners and a competitive budget, I really think we can shake things up next year. I feel motivated and ready to help Force India get points on a regular basis."
The team, now in Indian hands as the name suggests, has aspirations. "The Force India Formula One Team is a serious project and we wanted to make a statement to this effect with our driver line-up,” said Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director of Force India F1 Team commented.
“Money is not the issue now: we need drivers who will push the team and give us direction. The race line-up of Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil is a very good one, balancing both speed and experience, and Tonio will provide the team with solid support in his testing programme. I think we have a very strong driver line-up for 2008."
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