Buzzin F1 – Formula One Blog

Tonio Liuzzi - Force India 2009

It has been confirmed that after the release of Giancarlo Fisichella to the Ferrari team, Tonio Liuzzi will be in the cockpit of the Force India car at next weekends Grand Prix in Italy.

The 28-year-old Italian, began his programme with the Ferrari team at the beginning of 2008 as test and reserve driver and is looking forward to being back in a car with race trim.

In 2005, Liuzzi made his debut into Formula One in the Red Bull car before moving to the sister Scuderia Toro Rosso team, scoring four points in his two-year stint at the wheel.

Liuzzi will line-up alongside Adrian Sutil at the Grand Prix at Monza and will stay with the team for the remainder of the season.

Tonio Liuzzi said;

“I can’t wait to get back into the car in race trim, particularly at my home grand prix.  I really appreciate the opportunity Vijay has given me, particularly now Force India 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 [Massa]’s accident, this is my opportunity to show people what I can do and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Force India team owner Vijay Mallya 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.”