Giancarlo Fisichella is coming to the end of his 14th year in Formula 1, but even this experienced old hand has found his head spinning following the dramatic twist in his fortunes over the last fortnight.

Apparently resigned to playing out the twilight of his career at the wheel of a mid-grid Force India car, the 36-year-old Italian now finds himself in a Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

"For the last few days, I've been living a dream," Fisichella mused upon his arrival at the legendary Monza track. "And now it's true.

"I was so excited and nervous on my way to the track. It's been my dream since I was young. My family, especially my father Roberto, and my friends are all so proud; I've had a lot of texts and phone calls."

Events have moved quickly for Fisichella.