Fisichella plans to repay Ferrari

Giancarlo Fisichella has promised to repay Ferrari for the faith they have shown in him at such a late stage in his career.

Now in his 14th season in Formula One, and after 223 grands prix with Minardi, Jordan – where he had two spells – Benetton, Sauber, Renault and Force India, Fisichella will finally realise his life-long dream of driving for Ferrari.

The 36-year-old has joined the Scuderia for the final five races of this season, and will be reserve driver for 2010, after Force India owner Vijay Mallya agreed to release him from his contract with his team.

For Fisichella, he is unlikely to enjoy a greater feeling in motor racing than when he steps into the cockpit of his Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix in a week’s time.

Not since 1992 has an Italian driven one of the scarlet machines at the team’s home race in Monza, with Fisichella following in the footsteps of Ivan Capelli.

The pressure on the 36-year-old Roman will be high, but he said: “I’ll do my best to reward the team for the great opportunity I have been given. I know it will not be easy, but I will always try and get the best result possible.”