Ex-Force India driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who signed up for the Italian giants recently, tells DNA that he
has fulfilled a childhood ambition.
Ex-Force India driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who signed up for the Italian giants
recently, tells DNA that he has fulfilled a childhood ambition.
How difficult is it to get into a car, which was designed keeping in mind Ferrari’s regular drivers (Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen)?
The F60 is definitely not an easy car to drive. There are many differences in managing all its parameters, when compared to the Force India car, starting with the KERS, a function that we did not have in my previous team. In Monza, I finished my apprenticeship with the system and I’m sure that at the Singapore Grand Prix, I will be able to give it my best.
What will be your target for Singapore Grand Prix?
I will be trying to finish in the points to help the team defend its third place in the Constructors’ classification.
Your views on night races…
I like driving at night, especially on a street circuit like the one in Singapore, which has an atmosphere all of its own. Last year, it was all completely new, but we didn’t encounter any major problems: we will arrive for this year’s event very well prepared.
How special was it to drive for Ferrari on your home track at Monza?
I have always dreamt of driving for Ferrari in Formula One and now I have been able to make that dream come true and at Monza on top of everything. It would have been nice to end up in the first eight on my debut, but I missed out on that by a whisker. All the same, I am pleased with the way thing went that weekend and I am sure I will be able to help the team from the very next race.
Your contract with Force India was till the end of 2009. Was it one of the reasons you opted to switch to Ferrari? Do you rue making the switch?
No, the main reason was linked to the fact that the opportunity arose for me to fulfil a dream I’d had since I was a kid and no way do I regret my decision.
Did you ever think that Ferrari will approach you so late in your career?
No, I would never have believed it, it would never have happened under normal circumstances. However, I’m proud they thought of me and in what was a difficult moment for them. As you can see in F1, one should never say never.
You will be Ferrari’s reserve driver from 2010. Don’t you feel you would have retained your place as a regular driver with Force India if you hadn’t opted to switch to Ferrari?
I’ll say it again. Irrespective of what could happen next year, for me, driving for Ferrari represents an incredible opportunity, which I would never have thought possible almost at the end of my career, so I was not about to let it get away from me.
Do you feel your performance at Belgium GP almost confirmed your Ferrari seat?
No, I don’t think it had an influence. I’m not a young kid just starting out, who has to put himself in the spotlight...
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