Motorsport

By James Foxall

21st February 2007

Two years and only a brace of wins when your team-mate has taken the world title twice and scored double your points doesn’t bode well for a rosy future in Formula One.

However, the proud owner of that record, Giancarlo Fisichella, is heading into his third season with a top team still claiming he can become a championship challenger.

In 2006, Fernando Alonso roared to seven victories for Renault. Fisichella – who joined the squad for 2005 with a reputation as a top talent who needed a break – was off the pace and won only once.
No wonder there were a few raised eyebrows when he said a title challenge is on the cards – even if testing the R27 has gone well, and Alonso has left the team.

“I really believe I can win for Renault,” he said. “In the middle of last season, there was the possibility for Renault to choose anyone to drive, but it re-signed me.

“This team believes in me, and together we can go forward. This season we need to be able to put the pressure on from the first race. Our target – my target – is to win both world championships.”

At 34, Fisichella is the third oldest driver in the F1 field after David Coulthard and Rubens Barrichello, so time wouldn’t seem to be on his side. The man himself disagreed: “Hopefully this season isn’t our last chance, but one thing is for sure: it’s the best opportunity of my life. I need to do it. The team is very keen to win again without Fernando, and I’m very focused on what’s ahead.”

Last year was a disappointment. In his second season with Renault he was expected to push Alonso hard, although the anticipated challenge never happened.

Fisichella explained it as follows: “Fernando had a fantastic season. Maybe he drove better than me. I had some problems at the start of the year, and after that I helped the team and him to win the title.”

It’s one interpretation of 2006, although with Alonso scoring 134 points out of a possible 180, he didn’t need much help. Renault boss Flavio Briatore helped ‘Fisico’ into F1 in 1996, when he completed a part-season for tail-ender Minardi. He believes his driver will flourish now Alonso has gone. He told us: “He has to help himself. I think he’ll be quicker this year. If you want to be number one, you have to work hard.
“When you’re in a team with the likes of Alonso, you learn. Giancarlo is well established at Renault now and made an incredible contribution last year. He has the talent to win.”

What Briatore does not say is whether Fisichella has the necessary desire to push himself to the top. The man himself insists that he has. But it’s one thing saying it...another altogether pulling it off.