Fisichella's Ferrari dream still alive

Giancarlo Fisichella’s dream of driving for Ferrari could move a step closer next season if he is handed the chance to test for the team.

Fisichella’s move to Sauber, who use Ferrari engines renamed Petronas, could see the Italian driving for the Prancing Horse.

“The situation is open,” said team chief Peter Sauber. “It has not yet been discussed but in principal it is possible.”

Fisichella has never hid his desire to drive for Ferrari, which was one of the reasons why he joined the Swiss team from Jordan for 2004.

The 30-year-old will be partnered by Brazil’s Felipe Massa, who tested for Ferrari last season and is expected to continue next year.

Fisichella and Massa could also be in a shoot-out for a race seat at Ferrari in 2005 should six-time world champion Michael Schumacher decide to quit or Rubens Barrichello not be retained.

Barrichello’s contract is up at the end of next season and he has been linked with a move to Williams, although Ferrari’s technical director Ross Brawn sees no reason why the Brazilian should not be retained.

“We enjoy working with Rubens very much and from an engineering and technical point of view I’d be delighted for him to stay,” said Brawn.

“Rubens’ contribution has always been under-rated. He’s always been a valuable member of the team and we’ve always had total confidence in what he was doing.”