Sauber hints at Fisichella Ferrari test role
By pitpass.com (16/12/03)
December 21 2003
Speaking at the launch of his team's new wind tunnel, Peter Sauber has hinted that it is quite possible that Giancarlo Fisichella could find himself testing for Ferrari in 2004.
The Roman racer has never made any secret of his dream to drive for the Maranello outfit, and when he signed for Sauber - which uses Ferrari power-plants re-badged as Petronas - many saw it as a major step for the Italian towards fulfilling his dream.
"The situation is open," said Sauber today. "It has not yet been discussed but in principle it is possible."
Sauber has enjoyed a relationship with Ferrari that stretches back to 1997, last year the Swiss outfit's former racer Felipe Massa was recruited by the Italian team as test driver and its believed that his 'apprenticeship' with the Maranello outfit led to him re-joining Sauber, alongside Fisichella, for 2004.
Rubens Barrichello has a contract with Ferrari that runs out at the end of 2004 and there has been much speculation as to who might replace him should he decide to move on, similarly many are wondering who will eventually replace Michael Schumacher once the German decides to hang up his helmet.
Although Fisichella may well get to test one of the scarlet cars that surely all Italians dream of driving, earlier this year Ferrari team principal Jean Todt appeared to dismiss the Roman's hopes.
"I think he's a good racing driver," said the Frenchman. "However, we have a lot of drivers under contract, so why should we change?
"Do you think McLaren is proposing him a three year contract or Williams?" he added.
This article was written by pitpass.com and is used with permission.