Jan.16 (GMM) Vitantonio Liuzzi says he understands why Force India overlooked him for a race seat in 2008, but is not willing to accept a career as a F1 test driver.



The 27-year-old Italian will travel to every grand prix this season as Force India's official reserve, as well as heading the team's test programme.



But he told reporters at Jerez this week that "I'm still a race driver".



He also said there are no current plans for him to join the action during Friday practice sessions this season.



Speed TV quotes Liuzzi as accepting the reasons for countryman Giancarlo Fisichella's appointment as teammate for Adrian Sutil in 2008.



"Giancarlo is a very experienced driver and I'm a younger driver," he said, explaining that he has linked up with the Silverstone-based team for the long term.



"I cannot hide that I would have preferred to race, but I understand the decision of the team," Liuzzi added.



"This year I have to try to give the maximum support to the team to improve a lot, because I'm hoping I can be back in the (racing) seat soon and I hope I can profit from this improvement," he said.