Liuzzi will drive for Force India

Force India have named reserve driver Vitantonio Liuzzi as Giancarlo Fisichella’s replacement for the final five races of the 2009 season.

The 28-year-old Italian will make his Force India debut at his home grand prix in Monza this weekend following Fisichella’s switch to Ferrari.

The move brings Liuzzi back onto the Formula 1 grid just under two years after he lost his Toro Rosso drive and switched to Force India testing duties.

“I can’t wait to get back into the car in race trim, particularly at my home grand prix in Monza,” said Liuzzi.

Liuzzi has 39 Grand Prix starts to his name, having previously competed for Red Bull Racing in 2005 and then for Toro Rosso in 2006 and 2007. His best finish was a sixth place at the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix.

“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 the opportunity.”