Fisichella Dedicates Podium to Alboreto

Fisichella's third place finish at Monza was the first time an Italian had finished on the podium at his home race since Alboreto did so for Ferrari in 1988. That fact was not lost on the Renault driver, who raced alongside Alboreto in the DTM touring car series in the mid-1990s.

"Just fantastic," said Fisichella on Monday, looking back on the result.

"It was a tough race, and the engineers were worried near the end because Kimi was catching me quite quickly, so they kept on telling me to push even harder over the radio.

"It was a great feeling to be on the podium, and to see the crowd cheering down on the pit straight below. I just want to say thank you to all the team, and especially my mechanics and engineers who have worked so hard for me since Melbourne.

"I know Alboreto was the last Italian on the podium at Monza before me. I was lucky enough to race together with him in touring cars, and he was a great person, really special. I want to dedicate the result to his memory."