London, September 07: Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi will race for Force India from his home Grand Prix on Sunday following the departure of compatriot Giancarlo Fisichella to Ferrari, the Formula One team said on Monday.
Fisichella has moved to the champions as replacement for Italian Luca Badoer, the 38-year-old reserve who had struggled as a stand-in for injured Brazilian Felipe Massa in the last two races.
Liuzzi was the reserve driver for Silverstone-based Force India and last raced in Formula One with Toro Rosso in 2007, with sixth place in a wet race in China that year his best finish.
He also raced four times for Red Bull in 2005 before switching to Toro Rosso in 2006.
“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,” team principal Vijay Mallya said in a statement.
“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.”
—Agencies