Fisico hoped for more

Giancarlo Fisichella, the Italian driver of the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, had hoped for more from his qualifying session at Suzuka, but the weahter gods had other ideas. Giancarlo Fisicella stands 3rd on tomorrow's starting grid, just behind Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button.

Interview with Giancarlo Fisichella

Giancarlo, you were third fastest in difficult conditions. Are you pleased?
"I was lucky because it only just started raining when I was on my lap, and the circuit was much wetter a couple of minutes later. But I was also a bit unlucky because if the rain had come only two minutes later, I could have done a really good lap."

You were quickest in final practice…
"Yes. The car was really well balanced and I felt really confident. I was quickest, even with extreme wet tyres. In qualifying, the final sector was really too wet for the normal wet tyres I was running, so I am pleased with my performance."

What do you expect in the race?
"I am confident, and I think we can do a good job. The McLarens are at the back, which is good in terms of the constructors’ championship. We have a good opportunity tomorrow, and an excellent strategy."

You have a big role to play tomorrow in the title fight. What is your aim?
"First of all, I need to get to the finish and do my best possible job. Of course, it would be nice to win… especially because it will be hard for McLaren to get to the podium. We’ll see…"