Date:21/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/21/stories/2008052160031800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Fisichella hopes for the best

Monte Carlo: Giancarlo Fisichella has not missed a Monaco Grand Prix since 1996 and when the Force India driver hits the twisty and bumpy 3.34km track on Sunday for his 200th race start, all he wants is just a point from what has been his happy hunting ground.

Looking back, Fisichella acknowledges Monaco has been kind to him, something evident from his podium finishes here in 1998 and 2000 and the morale-boosting fourth place finish last year.

“Monaco has given me some good results, but last year was particularly good as I came home fourth when no one was expecting it. It was a result the team desperately needed too,” he said.

And when he races on Sunday, the expectation would be little moderate for Fisichella.

“Realistically this year we can’t hope for fourth, but one point is my target and everything else that comes on top of that is a bonus,” said the veteran.

“We have a new aero package that will for sure help us, but the whole race is a lottery so you’ve got to be lucky too,” he said ahead of what is considered the most glamorous race of the Formula One calendar.

Come Sunday and Fisichella would be the ninth driver with 200 or more races under his belt and to mark the occasion the Italian will race in new Alpinestars overall and a helmet commissioned from Arai bearing the ‘200’ logo.

“Rubens’ (Barichello) record of 257 starts will be hard to beat, but there is definitely a feeling of satisfaction to reach this milestone that only a handful of other drivers have got to. Even more satisfying is to know that I have a lot more to give and am still motivated to do well,” Fisichella said.

He is also itching to get that feeling when he gets behind the VJM01 car on Sunday.

“To celebrate this at Monaco is fantastic as it’s the best track in the world, one of my favourites, as the twisty track itself is phenomenal. he said.— PTI