The perfect moment - Fisico

At 34 years of age, after 11 years in Formula 1, Giancarlo Fisichella possesses a formidable blend of experience and speed. The 2007 championship should see him competing at the highest level – and collecting the rewards his talent deserves.

After signing with the Renault F1 Team for the 2005 season, Giancarlo Fisichella found his way to the Enstone factory without too much difficulty. From Heathrow, he took the M4, round the M25, along the M40. Take exit 10, through Middleton Stoney, the Bartons, and then follow a little white, wooden sign pointing the way to the Whiteways Technical Centre. The team was waiting for him, with a warm welcome. There are solid ties between Giancarlo Fisichella and the Renault F1 Team. The Italian drove for the team from 1998 to 2001, back in the days when it was called Benetton, and the good memories are still fresh. “It was quite emotional for me to go back to Enstone,” explains the Fisichella. “It was a bit like going home. Many of the mechanics and the engineers were still the same, and the good atmosphere was still there. I was very pleased to be back.”

Fisico is known throughout the paddock as one of the most gifted drivers of his generation. Until he arrived at Renault, he had never been given a car worthy of his considerable talent. His career had been studded with noteworthy performances, such as a dramatic victory in Brazil, 2003 in dreadful conditions, but two years ago his career stepped up a level. His first race with Renault kicked things off in style, as he took the win in his first race with the team, in Melbourne 2005. A further victory followed in Malaysia 2006, and he took six other podium finishes during those two seasons. At the wheel, the Italian transforms some of the most fearsome machines on the planet, into high-precision instruments. Other drivers aim to master a car with force; Fisico seeks to gently bend them to his will, to persuade them to follow his wishes. His classical style has earned him 246 career points so far, after completing more than 42,000 km in Grands Prix. This experience is a major asset for the Roman, who knows the complexities of Formula 1 inside out.

Outside of the car, Giancarlo is a measured, discreet and down to earth man. “I don’t talk about F1 outside the paddock,” he explains. As the father of two young children, the Italian lives in his home city of Rome with his companion Luna. He indulges his passion for football. And shows his generous character too. “A win is a personal achievement, but it is just as important for my father, who has supported me ever since my debut in go-karting when I was 8 years old,” he smiles. From those early childhood dreams, to the stardom of Formula 1, Fisico has kept in feet on the ground.

As for his work, it has already begun. At Jerez on 16 January, Giancarlo Fisichella took the wheel of the R27 for the first time. “There’s no time to lose,” he smiled. “There are new rules, a new car to test, and a new challenge for everybody. I have worked hard ever since I arrived in F1, but I feel like a new man this year. I am hungry for this new challenge.”