Planet-F1

Fisi: I want to prove everyone wrong

Monday 11th February 2008

Giancarlo Fisichella is keen to silence those have questioned his decision to join Force India, saying he's up to the challenge.

The 35-year-old left Renault at the end of last season after failing to secure a contract extension. However, it wasn't long before Force India announced that they'd signed the Roman for the 2008 season.

The decision raised a few eyebrows in the paddock as some felt he should have rather quit F1 than join a backmarker team.

Fisi, however, reckons he'll prove his critics wrong this season.

"For sure the general opinion was that I should have quit Formula One. On the contrary I like challenges and I love the sport and I want to prove everyone wrong," he told the official F1 website.

"The management of Force India is very focused and they know what they want. The people out there do not understand it, so it is up to us to show them how things have changed."

Asked about rumours that Renault and BMW had offered him the position of test driver, Fisichella confirmed that both teams had but "honestly that was never an option for me. I want to race."

Scoring points is also high on the Roman's criteria for the season as he reckons Force India has the ability to finish grands prix in the top eight.

"I am looking for points - as many as I can get. Then we will work together with the technical people to gradually improve the car and I want to be their guiding force," he said.

"As for real improvement, I would realistically say that the second part of the season is when I expect that we will catch up. Watch us then."