Force India deny Fisichella-Ferrari reports

Force India have denied reports that Giancarlo Fisichella is set to move to Ferrari for the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix, to take over from Luca Badoer, who has stood in for the injured Felipe Massa at the last two races.

In a statement issued by Force India on Monday, boss Vijay Mallya insisted Fisichella, who scored the team’s first world championship points at Spa on Sunday, had received no invitation from Ferrari, adding that the Italian was looking forward to driving the Force India car again at Monza.

Force India also distanced themselves from quotes in the press attributed to the team’s commercial director, Ian Philips, which suggested they were expecting a request from Ferrari to release Fisichella.

“Ian Philips’ comments do not reflect the views of the Force India Formula One Team Management since he is not the designated spokesperson for the team nor is he authorized to speak to the media,” said Mallya. “His comments should be ignored.”

Ferrari are expected to make a decision on their Monza line-up later this week once they have received the results of medical tests that Massa is undergoing in Miami.