Talking to Italian broadcaster TG1, Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo revealed why his team chose to recruit Giancarlo Fisichella to replace Felipe Massa for the rest of the season.

"I chose Fisichella for several reasons," said the Italian, "starting with the fact he deserves it, that he's on great form and that he is an expert driver. On top of that, we all wanted to have an Italian driver in our car for Monza and lastly, because it takes the long term view, as he will be our third driver.

"It is an important moment, coming off the back of a great win with Kimi Raikkonen," he added. "I wish to thank Luca Badoer who, once again has been so amenable towards Ferrari. Therefore, I look forward to Monza with confidence and especially with great pleasure at having Fisichella in the team."

Referring to Massa, di Montezemolo said: "We also have the good and important news that Felipe is recovering well and will be more than ready for the first race of next season.

"The good news that Felipe will race again, that he is recovering and that he will be very ready to race next season is a further plus, after what was a terrible August for us, what with his accident, all the uncertainties and, unfortunately, Michael Schumacher's fitness difficulties, when we would have liked to see him in our car. However, bit by bit, we are putting everything right again. Victory is the best medicine."