Planet-F1

Fisi blames 'love' and 'politics'

Saturday 9th February 2008

Giancarlo Fisichella has blamed Flavio Briatore's love affair with Fernando Alonso and Renault politics for the team's decision not to renew his contract.

Fisichella spent the past three seasons at Renault, helping the team to the Constructors' titles in 2005 and 2006. However, last year Renault's form slumped and the Italian failed to claim a podium finish never mind a race win.

But while the poor results were largely due to Renault's R27 and not his motivation, it came as some shock to Fisichella when the team opted not to extend his contract.

Briatore instead signed Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr, which Fisichella believes was a decision based on emotions and politics.

"Flavio has a love called Alonso," Fisi told the Gazetto dello Sport newspaper.

"For what I gave I was counting on (a contract extension), and with Alonso we could have re-build the dream team from 2005 and 2006.

"Instead they chose Piquet: that's politics."

The Roman has subsequently signed with Force India and will partner Adrian Sutil in the 2008 Championship.