Giancarlo Fisichella could test for Ferrari now he has signed for Sauber.

"The situation is open. It has not yet been discussed but in principle it is possible," team boss Peter Sauber said.

Sauber have strong connections with Ferrari, from whom they buy engines, and Fisichella saw his move to the Swiss team as a step towards Ferrari.

Ferrari are believed to be lining up either Fisichella or his 2004 Sauber team-mate Felipe Massa to partner Michael Schumacher in 2005.

Italian Fisichella, 30, is highly rated in Formula One but has never driven for a top team in his 123-race career.

He won his only Grand Prix for Jordan after a superb drive in wet conditions in Brazil this year.

Fisichella said in March that it was the right time for Ferrari to have an Italian driver after year's of dominance with Schumacher.

"I think the Italian people want to win now with an Italian driver," Fisichella said.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has been Schumacher's team-mate since 2000 but only has a contract until the end of the 2004 season.

Source: BBC