Giancarlo Fisichella admits he still hasn’t taken in the news that his lifelong dream of racing for Ferrari is set to become a reality at the Italian Grand Prix in just over a week’s time.

The Maranello squad confirmed on Thursday that it had signed Fisichella to race alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the remainder of the 2009 season, after securing the Italian’s release from his Force India contract.

The announcement capped a fairytale week for the 36-year-old veteran, who played a starring role in last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, taking pole position for Force India and narrowly missing out on an improbable victory.

Fisichella visited the Ferrari factory on Thursday afternoon, where he met team principal Stefano Domenicali, had a seat fitting and was introduced to some of the technical staff.

“I’m in seventh heaven,” he told Ferrari’s website.

“I still can’t believe it that the dream of my life comes true and I want to thank Ferrari and chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

“Over the last week some really incredible things happened to me: the pole position and then second place at Spa and now I’m called by Ferrari to race the last five races of the season for them.

“I’ll give my best to pay the team back for this great opportunity they have given me.

“I know that it won’t be easy, but I’ll give it everything to gain the best possible results.”

Amid his understandable joy at the turn of events, Fisichella spared a sympathetic word for Luca Badoer, the man who he will replace in the #3 Ferrari.

Badoer had an unhappy time in his two outings as Felipe Massa’s stand-in, qualifying and racing at the back of the field having not competed in F1 for nearly a decade.

“I want to say that I’m very sorry for Luca,” Fisichella said.

“I know how much he wanted to race in Monza behind the wheel of a Ferrari, because this is the best thing that can happen to an Italian driver, to drive a red car in front of our fans.”

While the Italian GP will mark Fisichella’s race debut for Ferrari, as a 22-year-old F1 hopeful he tested the team’s 412 T2 car at Fiorano on 27 September 1995.

Ferrari is expecting Giancarlo Fisichella to deliver valuable points for the team when he takes over as substitute driver for the injured Felipe Massa from the Italian Grand Prix. The team needs to secure third in the Constructors championship after recent races as McLaren were hauling in the points.

The Maranello squad confirmed on Thursday that it had signed Fisichella for the remainder of the 2009 season, and team boss Stefano Domenicali is hoping the 36-year-old will significantly boost its chances of holding off the resurgent McLaren for third place in the constructors’ championship.

Fisichella highlighted his ability with a remarkable performance at Spa last weekend that saw him take pole position and almost win the race for the unheralded Force India team.

“We have chosen Fisichella because we think that he can make a valuable contribution in terms of points during the final part of this uncertain season,” said Domenicali.

“Giancarlo has shown, throughout his long career, that he is fast and competitive and we are therefore proud to be able to run an Italian driver in our home race.”

With Badoer having struggled at the back of the field in his two race outings as Massa’s stand-in, Ferrari concluded that it had to make a driver change before its home race at Monza.

But Domenicali emphasised that Badoer had faced an unenviable task in having to reacclimatise to F1 competition after a decade on the testing bench.

“We wish to thank Luca for the team spirit he demonstrated in these circumstances,” he said.

Giancarlo Fisichella will drive for Ferrari for the rest of the 2009 Formula 1 season before taking a new role as their reserve driver in 2010.

The Italian, 36, will replace Luca Badoer as stand-in for the injured Felipe Massa for the final five races.

"It has always been an ambition," said Fisichella, who has been released from his contract with Force India.

Force India are yet to name a replacement for Fisichella with reserve driver Vitantonio Liuzzi the favourite.

Fisichella, who formerly raced for Minardi, Jordan, Benetton, Renault and Sauber, will begin his Ferrari career on home soil at the Italian Grand Prix on 13 September.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed the appointment saying: "We considered what could be his role inside the team in the near future, also taking this year's experiences into account. He will be the reserve driver in 2010.

"We have chosen Fisichella because we can expect him to make a valuable contribution in this final part of the season.

"He has shown, throughout his long career, that he is fast and competitive and we are therefore proud to be able to run an Italian driver in our home race."

Force India team principal Mallya had insisted on Tuesday that he would turn out his regular team for Monza.

But after extensive discussions with Ferrari, Mallya has agreed to release Fisichella from his contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season.

"For any Italian driver, a Ferrari race seat is a long-held dream and for Giancarlo it was no exception," Mallya said. "No-one should stand in the way of this.

"The agreement will secure Fisichella's long-term future with Ferrari and it would be incorrect to jeopardise this.

"We would like to stress that we have not agreed any financial settlement with Ferrari and would like to thank Giancarlo for all his help over the past one-and-a-half seasons and for our first world championship points."

Fisichella's parting gift to Force India was second place at the Belgium Grand Prix, handing the team their first podium and points in their second season in F1.

Even before his impressive performance at Spa-Francorchamps, the 36-year-old had been tipped to replace Badoer, who has struggled since his promotion from Ferrari reserve driver.

Badoer was drafted in to replace Massa, who suffered serious head injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix, after legendary seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher was forced to shelve his comeback plans.

While Massa is targeting a return in 2010, the Italian team ran out of patience with Badoer, who qualified last at both the European and Belgian GPs.

While Kimi Raikkonen claimed Ferrari's first win of 2009 in Spa, his team-mate trailed in last, nearly 48 seconds slower than the driver in front.

"We wish to thank Luca Badoer for the team spirit he demonstrated in these circumstances," added Domenicali.

"It is a shame he was unable to show his true worth in these last two races, tackled under conditions which anyone would have found difficult."

Fisichella, a veteran of more than 200 grands prix, will be expected to be much more competitive as Ferrari prepare to race in front of their enthusiastic home fans in Monza.

"I am grateful to Vijay Mallya for allowing me this opportunity," said Fisichella, a three-time race winner.

"For Vijay to have allowed it to become a reality is very generous and I hope in my turn I have helped Force India grow up and be on the right path to achieve their own ambitions." 

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has highlighted fuel economy as an aspect of its performance the Maranello squad needs to improve, after it was shown up on that score by Force India last weekend.

Kimi Raikkonen delivered the Scuderia’s first win of the 2009 campaign at Spa, but was pushed all the way by Giancarlo Fisichella.

One of the surprising aspects of their duel was that how far Fisichella was able to stretch his first fuel load; the Force India started the race 7kg lighter than the Ferrari yet the two cars pitted together on lap 14.

It appeared to be a case of Fisichella’s Mercedes-powered VJM02 being particularly efficient rather than the Ferrari being uniquely thirsty, since BMW’s Nick Heidfeld and Red Bull’s Mark Webber also pitted on lap 14 despite starting the race with 7-10kg more fuel than the polesitter.

Nevertheless, Domenicali readily admitted that Ferrari needs to improve in this area.

“This is a point that we need to work on, and understand how different teams are doing with fuel saving and fuel consumption,” he said.

“Other teams are maybe doing a better job so we need to understand exactly why.

“It is a point that has made a difference, and can make a difference for the future.”

Domenicali said it would be particularly vital to have an economical car next season, when in-race refuelling will be banned and fuel will account for a large proportion of the car’s weight when running with full tanks.

“Looking ahead to next year, fuel saving and fuel consumption is one of the most important elements because that kind of difference in terms of kilos can be a big difference at the end of the race,” he said.

“So for sure it’s a point that we need to work very hard to understand.”

Felipe Massa's hopes of a Formula 1 return have been boosted by positive test results, but Ferrari say they do not expect him to return this season.

Massa suffered serious head injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix but his latest tests went well in Miami on Monday.

The Brazilian, 28, should return to training in preparation for a race return after plastic surgery this week.

Ferrari said they looked forward to "being able to count on Felipe 100% for the start of the next racing season".

A statement on their website said: "Naturally the results were received with great joy and satisfaction at Maranello."

Massa underwent neurological and vision tests at the Jackson memorial hospital in Miami with leading motorsport neurosurgeon Steve Olvey on Monday.

"I'm very happy with the outcome of the exams," said the Brazilian.

"After the small surgery that I will have done in the next few days, I can finally start working out a little in the gym to get back in form, and then I can start some kart training.

"When will I be back on a Formula 1 track? Let's take one step at a time. Right now I'm just focused on starting physical activity again, which is already a big step forward."

The Brazilian driver had previously targeted an emotional return to action at his home grand prix in Sao Paulo on 18 October.

The Brazilian Grand Prix is the penultimate race of the 2009 season, but Ferrari's comments mean Massa could return five months later for the first race of 2010, scheduled for Bahrain on 14 March.

Massa's Ferrari race seat has been occupied by veteran test driver Luca Badoer for the last two grands prix but the Italian has failed to impress and is widely expected to be replaced before the next race - the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 13 September.

Massa's accident on 25 July happened after a spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car hit his helmet.

He was travelling at more than 160mph when the object hit him, but pressure on the brakes reduced his speed to about 60mph when he hit the tyre wall.

At first the injuries were described as "life-threatening" and there were fears for his sight.

Former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher was set to come out of retirement to deputise for his friend while he recovered, before a neck injury put paid to the German's comeback plan.

Since then Massa has made a good recovery and is now back home recuperating.

He will have to undergo a rigorous medical examination at the hands of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and also specialist eye check-up before he is allowed behind the wheel of an F1 car. 

Ferrari says it will take a decision on whether or not to replace struggling stand-in driver Luca Badoer for its home Italian Grand Prix in a matter of days.

With speculation rife that Force India driver and Belgian Grand Prix star Giancarlo Fisichella is set to be drafted in to replace Badoer from Monza, Domenicali confirmed after the team's first victory of the season at Spa that it will take several considerations into account before deciding on its driver line-up for Monza.

The Ferrari team principal says as well as analysing Badoer’s performance in Belgium, the team would also wait for the results from the latest tests on Felipe Massa’s head injuries when the Brazilian’s progress is checked by motor racing trauma specialist Dr Steve Olvey in Miami on Monday.

“First of all I think Luca has to cheer with us today because he is part of the team and what he did for the team, he deserves this victory together with us,” Domenicali told reporters after the race.

“With regard to what we are going to do for the next races, we will tell you in the next three days.

“We will do all of our considerations, first of all depending how will go the medical check that Felipe will do tomorrow and then we will put on the table all the things we think are correct to consider, and then we will take the decision.”

While 38-year-old Badoer has failed to get up to a competitive pace at his two races since returning to a Formula 1 race seat after a decade as the team’s test driver, Domenicali stressed that Ferrari would still look at all of its options before making a decision for Monza.

However, after Badoer finished last at Spa in the same car that won in Raikkonen’s hands, Domenicali again acknowledged Ferrari couldn’t accept its cars running at the back.

“The most important thing is to consider what is best on our side,” he said.

“For sure, Ferrari doesn’t want to be last in the race – that’s normal – but, as I said, we need to put on the table all the considerations to see and as soon as we take the decision we will keep you informed.

“But, for sure, we want to be stronger as a team, as a car and as a brand.”

And while praising Fisichella’s sensational Spa performance after the veteran Italian ran Raikkonen close for the victory, Domenicali refused to be drawn on the continued speculation.

“I think that Giancarlo really did a great race today,” Domenicali added.

“He was performing fantastically and pushing Kimi very strongly. He’s a driver that seems to be very fast.

“I cannot say, following the speculation, if it is true or not, but for sure today he did a great race.”

Badoer, himself, meanwhile struggled to 14th place in Belgium, the Italian's race chances not having been helped by him flat-spotting his front tyres at the first corner.

However, he felt he gave a better performance than at Valencia and says he is now desperate to remain in the seat for a dream appearance in a Ferrari at his and the team's home race.

“Today I did my best,” Badoer said.

“Unfortunately, at the first corner after the start, I flat-spotted the front tyres and so I always had strong vibrations throughout the first stint. 

“Once the tyres were changed, the situation improved, but the performance of the harder compound was not as good as the soft one.

“I have upped my performance level yet again and I really want to race at Monza, one of the tracks I know best, along with Fiorano and Mugello.

Kimi drove an incredible race to with-hold the Force India of Fisichella, who had an outstanding Race. Fisi was passed by Kimi at the top of the hill but remained with Kimi for the entire race, no more than 2 seconds behind him at any point.

Grid Positions.
1. K Raikkonen
2. G Fisichella
3. S Vettel
4. R Kubica
5. N Heidfeld
6. H Kovalainen
7. R Barrichello
8. N Rosberg

Championship leader Jenson Button was taken out on lap 1 along with Lewis Hamilton. Barichello secures a late scare after engine problems with 3 laps to go. Webber serves drive-thru and takes ninth

Raikkonen could be a major factor too if he can use his KERS power to make up a couple of places on the first lap - particularly since Ferrari’s race pace has generally been stronger than its qualifying performances this year.

Add to that Raikkonen’s special affinity for Spa - he has won here three times since 2004 - and the Finn may be an outside bet to deliver Ferrari’s first victory of the season.

Kimi Raikkonen secures 6th place for the Ferrari team for the Belgium Grand Prix. Luca Badoer starts 20th and last after suffering from a poor qualifying, ending his quali by spinning and crashing into the tyre wall backwards. Luca will start tomorrows race but is now highly probable that he will lose his drive for the Italian Grand Prix.

Belgian Grand Prix free practice session two
1.  HAMILTON      McLaren       1m47.201s
2.  GLOCK         Toyota        1m47.217s
3.  RAIKKONEN     Ferrari       1m47.285s
4.  WEBBER        Red Bull      1m47.329s
5.  GROSJEAN      Renault       1m47.333s
6.  FISICHELLA    Force India   1m47.506s
7.  TRULLI        Toyota        1m47.559s
8.  KUBICA        BMW           1m47.578s
9.  ALGUERSUARI   Toro Rosso    1m47.579s
10. VETTEL        Red Bull      1m47.602s
11. BUEMI         Toro Rosso    1m47.702s
12. KOVALAINEN    McLaren       1m47.743s
13. SUTIL         Force India   1m47.790s
14. ALONSO        Renault       1m47.862s
15. NAKAJIMA      Williams      1m47.961s
16. HEIDFELD      BMW           1m48.017s
17. BUTTON        Brawn         1m48.125s
18. BARRICHELLO   Brawn         1m48.130s
19. ROSBERG       Williams      1m48.360s
20. BADOER        Ferrari       1m49.211s