Force India Formula 1 Vitantonio Liuzzi Announcement
Vitantonio Liuzzi replaces Giancarlo Fisichella at Force India
Force India Formula One announces its reserve driver Vitantonio Liuzzi to assume duties of car number 21 as race driver, implying he will replace Giancarlo Fisichella at the next week’s Italian Grand Prix.
After careful study of options following Fisichella’s switch over to Ferrari, Tonio has been promoted as race driver.
The 28-year-old Italian driver has initially cleared Force India’s test, as being reserve driver from the start of the 2008 season.
Vijay Mallya, the chairman of Force India team was quoted of saying, ‘I’m delighted to give Tonio the opportunity to get back into a race seat, which I know he has been itching to do for the past two years. Force India is now in a very competitive position and we need a driver who can continue this momentum. This will be the chance for Tonio to demonstrate to both the team and the field that he has the commitment, speed and professionalism to perform and I am sure he will seize this opportunity.’
While Tonio was elated about the promotion and he was quoted of saying, ‘I can’t wait to get back into the car in race trim, particularly at my home Grand Prix in Monza. I really appreciate the opportunity Vijay has given me, particularly now Force India now has a great car that’s performing very well. I am confident I can carry on our progress. I’m very motivated, I’m in good shape and hungry to get some more points on the board. Although it’s unfortunate that this came about as an direct result of Felipe’s accident, this is my opportunity to show people what I can do and I’m really looking forward to it.’
However, his last F1 race was the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix with Toro Rosso and until now he contested 39 Grand Prix races and had the best result of finishing sixth at the Chinese Grand Prix 2007.
