By FIA Press Conference
August 12 2004

Giancarlo Fisichella speaks about his season with Sauber and his move to Renault in the FIA Thursday press conference before the Hungarian Grand Prix. So, gentleman, have you had a slightly quieter break than our last two guests? Giancarlo, what about you?

Giancarlo FISICHELLA: It was a very good break, long enough. I had a good rest with the family. I went to Ibiza and Formentera. I did some training so I feel very pleased now, I’m confident, relaxed.

What about the season so far for you, the Sauber progress?

GF: Yeah, the beginning of the season the car was a bit… the package wasn’t good enough and I was struggling a bit with the grip, so for the first few races it was difficult for us to score points. But then from Imola the team made a big step forwards and race after race there was a good step in aerodynamic components and I did a few good races. Starting from the back of the grid I scored points so we are getting better and better. They (the team) are doing very, very well and even for this weekend we have something more so I am optimistic.

Jenson and Mark both said they felt the Michelins would be the better tyre here. What are your feelings?

GF: Considering last year’s result I think it’s going to be quite difficult for us, but Bridgestone did a fantastic job during the winter and even during the season and we have here a new specification tyres, new compound tyres, so we will see, maybe, that we are a bit closer at this race.

Since the last race it has been announced that you’re going to Renault for next year, but we always thought you wanted to go to Ferrari.

GF: No, no. I know in Ferrari there is no place, no seat, until 2006, and around a month ago I saw the possibility to move into a top team like Williams or Renault and I hope the choice I have made is the right one. I am pretty sure that next year is going to be alright. I am confident and I am happy because Renault is now, I think, the strongest team after Ferrari. They are second in the championship. I want to win, I want to win not just another race but even the championship.

What about Fernando? How well do you get on with him?

GF: Fernando’s a nice guy and he’s a very quick driver. I met him a few years ago and we have a very good friendship so I’m happy to have Fernando as a team-mate.

Are you going to move to England?

GF: Well, erm, if it is necessary, yes. Otherwise I stay in Rome.

(Dan Knutson – National Speed Sport News) I’d like to ask you a question about the domination of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari. I realise, like it or not, we have to live with it, but I also realise that it is up to you and your teams to beat them. But, from a spectacle point of view, from an entertainment point of view, from the fan’s point of view, is this constant domination by one driver and team good for Formula One?

GF: Yeah, well Michael is a fantastic driver in fantastic form, and he has maybe the best package, engine, chassis and tyres so he is dominating everywhere. This is a bit boring maybe for the people, for the fans, but what can we do? Hope to be quick next year and fight for the win against Michael.

(David Cameron – Atlas F1) Giancarlo, Flavio has made no real secret that he is really building the Renault team around Fernando who is going to be your team-mate next year. How does that feel for you, going in there, and what do you expect for yourself next year?

GF: Well, I think Fernando is a good driver and Renault is now concentrating on him, but I think I have good experience, good talent and if the car is good I can do well too, even if the team now is concentrating on Fernando. Most of them know my condition very well. I have good experience and I think altogether we can work to win.

(Bob Constanduros) The Olympics coming up, is there any particular athlete whose performance you will be watching? A friend, somebody you know, you’ve met?

GF: I am Italian so I will be following my Italian team in all sports.

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