Fisichella pins hopes on Force India drive

The Italian, whose exit from Renault was confirmed on Monday, is yet to find a drive for 2008, but he has tested for Force India, who have a vacant seat alongside Adrian Sutil.

Fisichella was one of several drivers testing for the Silverstone-based squad at Jerez, and the Roman has made no secret of the fact that he is hoping to land the drive.

"My objective is to race with Force India," Fisichella told Autosprint. "I wouldn't have gone through a shoot-out otherwise, because it's always something very tense. All the drivers at Jerez were there for that, let's not kid ourselves.

"Even Ralf Schumacher arrived two days earlier, went often around the track to see the trajectories and he was in contact with the pits. He never did that at Toyota. No one came to Jerez to be a tourist of for a stroll in F1."

The Italian, 34, says it would be a shame if he was left without a seat, and believes he deserved better from Renault, who announced on Monday Fernando Alonso and Nelsinho Piquet as their drivers for 2008.

"If it turns out that way then it's a shame because I think I still deserve a place in F1," he added. "I would have expected a little more consideration from Renault, because in three years I contributed towards winning two world championships.

"However I don't consider the opportunity with Force India a stopgap, but a new phase in my career."

If he doesn't find a racing seat, Fisichella admits he would consider becoming a test driver in a front-running team.

"That's not a given, I would consider offers to be a test driver. At that point it depends on who comes up with the offer. There are front-running teams with that position still open."

He ruled out, however, moving to a different series.

"For a decision like that there is time. I want to race in F1 and I feel I can still do well. I know the first races would be difficult, with getting back to qualifying in the last rows, but I can see great potential in this team, they don't lack financial resources.

"I don't think the driver will be chosen based on a possible budget he might bring. They told me they want an experienced driver to team up with Sutil.

"Well, I'm here for that. Before starting I signed a contract-option as per usual in this occasions. I will have an answer before Christmas."