(Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Force India have confirmed that Vitantonio Liuzzi has been given Giancarlo Fisichella's race seat for the remainder of the 2009 season.
The 28-year-old Italian will be making his debut for the team at his home Grand Prix, this weekend.
Team boss, Dr Vijay Mallaya has said "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."
Liuzzi made his debut for the fledgling Red Bull Racing team in 2005 at the San Marino GP, after a stellar career in the lower racing categories, and scored a point in his first race. He was, however, dropped after just three races.
He moved to Toro Rosso for the 2006 season, and stayed till the end of 2007, with a sixth place as his career best finish.
"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," said Liuzzi, when the news was broken.
Tonio also made comments about the currently injured Felipe Massa.
"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."
Liuzzi is keen to add to the points tally that Force India opened up at the hands of Fisichella, with his second place at Spa, and prove his true performance in a much improved car in order to secure a full time race seat for next year.
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