Fisichella eyeing race drive for 2010

The Italian, who turns 37 on Thursday, raced for Force India last season before being replacing Luca Badoer as Felipe Massa's stand-in for the last five races.

He has a long-term contract as Ferrari's test and back-up driver, but is open to the possibility of racing again in 2010.

"Never say never," said Fisichella when asked about his racing future by AUTOSPORT. "As when I signed the contract with Ferrari. For the last couple of years I was sure I could not drive for Ferrari, so never say never.

"Abu Dhabi could have been my last race, but maybe not. It would be nice to know my future, but in the case of not racing I'll be in the Ferrari team as third driver and for me that's still a very good opportunity.

"Being third driver for another team could be boring, but doing it for Ferrari is just great. It's very important to be with them for a few years, but it's not sure about that. Maybe if there is a call from another team, together we can decide to race one more year, and then we'll see."

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said back in September that there is no clause preventing Fisichella from racing elsewhere, even adding that he would be in favour of it.

Read AUTOSPORT's full interview with Giancarlo Fisichella, here.