Giancarlo Fisichella is poised to make a temporary switch to Ferrari ahead of next month's Italian Grand Prix.

Confirmation of the Force India driver's move could come on Tuesday, a source close to Ferrari told BBC Sport.

Force India commercial director Ian Phillips told Radio 5 live on Monday: "We do expect a move will probably be made in the next 24 hours or so."

Fisichella would replace Luca Badoer, who has struggled as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa.

Badoer, Ferrari's official reserve driver, was drafted in to replace the injured Felipe Massa after legendary seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher was forced to shelve his comeback plans.

Massa is recovering at home in Brazil after suffering a fractured skull in a crash during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.

The 28-year-old is targeting a return at the Brazilian Grand Prix on 18 October, but there is speculation that Massa will not be able to race until at least next season.

Ferrari are believed to have run out of patience with Badoer, who has qualified last at both of his races so far.

Mallya: No Ferrari Fisichella talk yet

By Jonathan Noble

Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India, Belgian GPForce India owner Vijay Mallya insists there has been no contact yet from Ferrari regarding a deal to switch Giancarlo Fisichella to the Italian outfit.

Fisichella is clear favourite to become Kimi Raikkonen's team-mate at Ferrari until Felipe Massa is well enough to return - although a final decision rests on the outcome of the medical examination that Massa is having in Miami today.

Once news on Massa's condition is in, Ferrari will then decide what it wants to do - with a deal likely to take place within the next 24 hours.

Although well aware of the rumours surrounding Fisichella, Mallya declined to elaborate on what he would do if Ferrari came calling for his driver.

"I can't comment," he said. "Ferrari hasn't come to me, Fisichella hasn't come to me. His manager hasn't come to me. This is all speculation.

"Fisichella has been part and parcel of the team. His experience has helped the engineers enormously in the development of the car and he's a very valuable member of my team.

"I'm sure he's very proud and pleased with his own performance in Belgium, and the car that we have given him to drive."

AUTOSPORT understands that Force India still has outstanding debts with Ferrari as a hangover from its customer engine deal, and it is not clear what influence these will have on any negotiations between the two teams regarding Fisichella.

Ferrari to wait on Monza driver decision

By Jonathan Noble

Ferrari will wait for the outcome of Felipe Massa's medical examination in Miami on Monday before deciding on its driver plans for the Italian GP.

Massa is to undergo a check by renowned doctor Steve Olvey, which should provide a clear indication of how long the Brazilian will be out of action for.

Once the team is aware of that verdict, Ferrari will then decide on whether to stick with current replacement Luca Badoer for Monza or put another driver in the car.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said: "With regard to what we are going to do for the next races, we will tell you in the next three days.

"We will use all our consideration following the medical check that Felipe will do tomorrow, and then we will put on the table all the different things that are correct and have been considered and then we will make a decision."

Domenicali dismissed reports in the Italian media that Fernando Alonso had agreed a switch deal from Renault, and ruled out the Spaniard as a contender.

Giancarlo Fisichella remains favourite for the drive, especially after his shock second place finish at Spa.

Domenicali also declined to comment on if Kimi Raikkonen's victory had changed the team's driver's plans for 2010, amid speculation that the team is trying to move the Finn aside for next year.

"No one has said anything different from the team point of view," said Domenicali.

"This is a lot of speculation. I really hope that you people keep writing that, because if this is Kimi's reaction then please do it day and night.

"It is important to understand the situation and I don't think it is a point of discussion that we need to start today. That is the answer."