New Delhi:
Force India have denied reports of Giancarlo Fisichella's move to Ferrari.
According to a report, Force India driver Fisichella was poised to make a temporary switch to Ferrari as a replacement of Luca Badoer ahead of next month's Italian GP.
Force India, however, said such media reports were completely baseless.
"We completely deny as baseless, whatever is reportedly attributed to him in reports that have appeared in a section of the press a short while ago," the team said.
"During a press conference via telephone shortly after the team's podium finish at Belgian Grand Prix, in response to specific and repeated questions on the subject, Fisichella has himself clarified that he has 'not received any invitation from Ferrari' and went on to add that 'he was looking forward to driving the Force India car at the Monza GP'," a statement issued by team owner Dr Vijay Mallya read.
Force India also played down the comment by their commercial director Ian Philips, who said that the confirmation of Fisichella's move to Ferrari could come within a day.
"We do expect a move will probably be made in the next 24 hours or so," Phillips had said.
"Nobody's asked us yet but I think it's pretty likely that somebody will make a phone call to (Force India team boss) Vijay Mallya over the next 24 hours or so asking if we would release him to Ferrari. "I don't think they (Force India) have really got any options (but to release him)," Phillips added.
The Formula One team, who clinched their maiden championship points on Sunday with Fisichella making a podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, rebutted Philips' stand.
"Ian Philips' comments do not reflect the views of the Force India Formula One Team Management since he is not the designated spokesperson for the team nor is he authorized to speak to the media. His comments should therefore be ignored," Force India said.