For Fisichella a long-term future at Ferrari

Force India has agreed to release Giancarlo Fisichella from his contract to allow the Roman driver to race with Ferrari in Monza and until the end of the 2009 Formula 1 world championship. The boss of the Indian team, Vijay Mallya, specified that the proposal team from Maranello arrived only 24 hours ago.

“The agreement will ensure Giancarlo a long-term future with Ferrari and it would have been unfair to deny him this, in light of Giancarlo's vital contribution to Force India,” read a statement from the Silverstone team.

The Indian billionaire said the agreement does not include any financial compensation.

“We want to thank Giancarlo for all his help over the last year and a half and for getting our first championship points last weekend,” the statement read. “We wish him the best for the future” concluded Mallya, hinting that Fisichella will not return to Force India in 2010. At this point, a role as a full-time test driver at Ferrari or as a starter is likely for him, perhaps alongside Fernando Alonso, if Felipe Massa is not ready from the first race.