Fantastic bonus - Fisico

The Italian driver of the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, Giancarlo Fisichella, was aiming for the top four spots on the grid. He ended up on pole after a hot and exciting qualifying session today in Malaysia.

Interview with Giancarlo Fisichella

Congratulations Giancarlo. Are you pleased with pole position?
"Yes. I think it was a good performance, and a good way to bounce back from the problems last week. My qualifying lap was almost perfect, and I am really pleased with this performance."

Was the car competitive all weekend?
"It was quick yesterday, but we still wanted to make some changes to the set-up. It was even better this morning and even with old tyres, I was quicker today than with new tyres yesterday. After the final practice session, I was confident and thought I could make it into the top four. Pole is a fantastic bonus!"

Physically, was it difficult for you in qualifying?
"Yes, very. I think this will be the most demanding race of the year. But I am in good physical condition, strong mentally – it should all go well. And of course, it’s the same challenge for everybody."

Are you confident for the race?
"Yes, the car super, the team is the best out there, and we have a fantastic package. I want to dedicate this pole to one of my best friends, who I started racing karts with when I was 8 years old. He was killed last Sunday in an accident and I want to get a strong result tomorrow for him."