03.01.2004 A DREAM TEST WITH THE FERRARI TEAM MOVES A STEP CLOSER FOR GIANCARLO FISICHELLA

Italian F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella has edged closer to his dream of driving for Ferrari with the news that his Sauber team will be happy to release him during the course of the year to undertake tyre testing duties for the Prancing Horse team if required.

With the number of Bridgestone runners shrinking even further after the defection of the BAR-Honda team to the Michelin camp, Ferrari will carry out the bulk of the Bridgestone tyre development program during 2004. The additional strain is expected to see the World Champions call on Sauber's new star Giancarlo Fisichella to assist with duties, offering the Italian the opportunity at last to demonstrate his talent in a top line F1 car.

The Swiss based Sauber team already enjoys a strong relationship with Ferrari, having used since 1997, one year old Ferrari engines re-badged as Petronas units in deference to their main sponsor. This year, with the regulations calling for a single engine to last the entire weekend, Sauber will achieve engine parity with the official Ferrari team.

Sauber, as well as their 'technical collaboration' agreement with Ferrari, also run on Bridgestone rubber and have had a driver interchange already with the Italian team. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, who made his F1 debut for Sauber during 2002, scoring four championship points and a best fifth place at the Spanish Grand Prix, stepped back to become a regular Ferrari test driver last year. For 2004 he returns Sauber, partnering Fisichella, and rumours of a long term Ferrari future for the young Brazilian continue to persist.

Team boss Peter Sauber expects Ferrari to make use of both Giancarlo Fisichella, and the Ferrari experienced Felipe Massa, during the course of the year for tyre testing and is happy to assist the Bridgestone development program as it will go on to help his own team's competitiveness.