Fisi keen to extend his stay

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA

Home | News | Driver Profile | Official Site | Results in F1

Friday 15th August 2008

Giancarlo Fisichella has welcomed team owner Vijay Mallya's hint that the Roman will remain at Force India in 2009.

Fisichella joined the backmarker outfit at the start of this season and although he has yet to score a single point for his new team he recently received a vote of confidence from Mallya.

"I have two good drivers," the Force India owner said. "The experience of Giancarlo is invaluable and Adrian has lots of talent - I think he is improving race by race, becoming more consistent.

"I think they will be very satisfied driving the 2009 car, which I am sure will be a significant improvement and a big surprise."

Mallya's words have been welcomed by Fisichella who is eager to see out his contract with Force India even though he has found himself struggling at the back of the pack for much of this year's campaign.

"I am very happy with what Vijay said about his drivers," the Roman told the official F1 website.

"I think that Adrian and I show strength and great team spirit. As I said before, I am very happy with Force India, I have a contract for 2009 and never saw myself out of it."

However, for now Fisichella is focusing his attention on next weekend's European GP, which will be the first time that Force India runs their new seamless shift gearbox.

"I am very satisfied with the system - it works well," he said, adding that he reckons it will bring the team "two-tenths on a single lap and maybe three during the race.

"But we need six- or seven-tenths to close the gap with the cars in front, so it is not going to be so easy."

Valencia, though, could help level the playing field just a little bit as the Spanish track is a new venue for all 20 drivers.

"We should learn it in the first ten laps and we have plenty of time in Friday practice," Fisi added. "The important thing is not to have any mechanical issues and to have maximum track time in accordance with the programme."