By Karl King
April 12 2008
Giancarlo Fisichella has revealed in an interview with the official Formula 1 website that he is very happy to have left Renault to come to Force India. After being dumped by Renault at the end of the 2007 season in favour of protege Nelson Piquet Jr, many thought Fisi would rather leave the sport than have the humiliation of pottering around at the back of the field.
However, the team has come on leaps and bounds from their 2007 form, and is, lap-time wise, the most improved team on the grid from last year.
At the last Grand Prix in Bahrain, Fisichella had Renault replacement Nelson Piquet Jr behind him before the young Brazilian retired 16 laps before the chequered flag. Renault team-leader Fernando Alonso finished only 2 places ahead of Fisi.
The Roman told F1.com, "Actually I am very happy to be fighting with them as it shows that Force India’s project is a very promising one and that I made a good decision to join the team."
Fisi admitted to possessing a hint of satisfaction to fighting with the team that has spent extortionate amounts of money in bringing back their two-times World Champion.
Fisi also spoke highly of team-mate Adrian Sutil. After some promising performances last year, some thought the young German may show the experienced Fisichella up. However, whilst Fisichella has been putting in some brilliant performances in the midfield, Sutil has been unlucky to finish only one race - in last place.
Giancarlo dismissed the suggestion that the car was set up more to his driving style, saying, "it is only a matter for him to adjust to this car and its different driving approach. He is quick and he will soon show it."
The team will now test in Barcelona in the week ahead with a planned aero package. Fisichella said that major improvements will arrive in Monaco, with a new front suspension not long afterwards. The team will also have a seamless gearbox in Hungary.
In true Fisichella form, when asked to sum up how he was feeling, he replied, "happy, very happy!"
You can read the interview in full at F1.com.