Fisichella to switch to Ferrari: report

Having given Force India their first podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, its driver Giancarlo Fisichella is poised to make a temporary switch to Ferrari as replacement of Luca Badoer ahead of next month's Italian GP, according to a report.

Fisichella, who gave Force India their first Formula One points after 29 starts, will have Kimi Raikkonen, who won at Spa Francorchamps, as his teammate if such a switch is made, though Fisichella himself had denied such a move.

Confirmation of Fisichella's move to Ferrari could come within a day, Force India commercial director Ian Phillips told BBC Radio 5 live on Monday.

"We do expect a move will probably be made in the next 24 hours or so," Phillips said.

"Nobody's asked us yet but I think it's pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call to (Force India team boss) Vijay Mallya over the next 24 hours or so asking if we would release him to Ferrari.

"I don't think they (Force India) have really got any options (but to release him)," Phillips added.

Fisichella himself had denied such a move after his podium finish at Spa Francorchamps last night.

"This is purely rumour. Nobody (from Ferrari) has called me till now," Fisichella told Indian journalists via teleconference.

"I will drive for Force India in the next race in Italy. Rest are all rumours," Fisichella had said.

Phillips said Ferrari wants a strong driver in place of Badoer to team up with Raikkonen in their home circuit of Monza on September 13, and Italian Fisichella can play the role.

"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.

"So they're going to have to put somebody in there who can basically run around with Raikkonen at the front of the field." B

adoer, Ferrari's official reserve driver, was drafted in to replace the injured Felipe Massa after legendary seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher was forced to shelve his comeback plans.

But, Ferrari seemed to have faith in Badoer, who has struggled as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa.

Fisichella's contract with Force India runs out at the end of the 2009 season.