F1: Force India confirm Tonio Liuzzi to replace Giancarlo Fisichella

From GMM

Force India on Monday morning announced that 28-year-old reserve driver Tonio Liuzzi will as expected replace the Ferrari-bound Giancarlo Fisichella from this weekend's Italian grand prix.

The Italian has contested nearly 39 grands prix but has been off the formula one grid since he lost his Toro Rosso drive at the end of the 2007 season.

It is believed Tonio Liuzzi, who joined the Silverstone based team as test driver last year, is also a near-certainty to race with Force India full-time in 2010.

"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," said team boss Vijay Mallya.