Jan.10 (GMM) Official confirmation is due later on Thursday, but Force India team owner Vijay Mallya has finally revealed the identity of his drivers for 2008 to an Italian newspaper.

Giancarlo Fisichella, the Roman veteran of nearly 200 grands prix, and Italian countryman Vitantonio Liuzzi, will join the Silverstone based squad as new race and test driver respectively this season, the Indian billionaire told sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The team will confirm the news at 7pm Indian time.

Mallya said Fisichella, who turns 35 next week, will be the number one driver opposite continuing German youngster Adrian Sutil.

"Absolutely, yes," he answered.

"He has great experience and he will help Sutil improve."