German Michael Schumacher, who has won a record seven Formula One world titles, wished Giancarlo Fischella well ahead of the Italian’s first race for Ferrari.
“I saw Giancarlo at the eSafety event and could welcome him in the Ferrari-family. Of course I wish him well for Monza.
“We know each other for so many years and we still play that often together football for the Nazionale Piloti team that I can imagine well what it means for him to be a driver for Ferrari now.
“Ok, then: welcome in the Club, Giancarlo,” the German said on his official website.
Schumacher still acts as a consultant to Ferrari and will be in Monza on the weekend for the Italian Grand Prix, where Fisichella will be racing for the injured Felipe Massa.
“If I need advice, I will not hesitate to ask him. And I am certain that he will know how to help me,” the Italian said.
Schumacher himself had agreed to return to racing for Massa, but doctors had advised him against it. In his place Luca Badoer had driven for Ferrari in Belgium and Spain, but had disappointed.
Ferrari had then taken Fisichella, who was racing for Force India, on board.
