Q & A with Giancarlo Fisichella

Giancarlo Fisichella: It's good. It's going well. I'm happy about the last couple of tests, we made a few steps forward with the balance and the set-up. The atmosphere is good, especially after the last test where we went fourth quickest on one of the days. Everybody in the factory was surprised, and really happy about that, so they are really pushing to improve the car.

Q. When you started in F1 did you ever think that you'd be representing an Indian team?

GF: Honestly not. Even at the end of the season I didn't expect to be a Force India driver, but it's good. I'm really happy to be part of this, and I'm really confident in the project. There is a much better budget for this year. I know it's going to be difficult, the last couple of seasons for the team have been a difficult situation, running in the last couple of rows, but I think if we work quite well with a good budget we can make a step forward.

Q. Do you think the Indian people understand Formula One?

GF: Not yet. But I think soon they will learn more about it. After the launch of the drivers in January, the day after it made a big impact in the newspapers everywhere. I think it will get much bigger. There are over a billion people here, so if we do well, we can be stars.

Q. After racing for top teams, and winning races, what is your motivation to come to a team like this?

GF: My motivation first of all was the project, and the budget. To have people like Mike Gascoyne and Mark Smith in the team is a very good guarantee, and to grow up with them is the target. I still love F1, I still feel young, and I want to race in F1 with them. I want to get great results with them, score some points, and maybe get on the podium in 2009.

Q. Is this a long-term project for you?

GF: At the moment I have a two-year contract, and after that we will see. I'm 35, but I still feel young, I am fit, I am happy to race in F1 and I want to race for a few more years. I still enjoy it, and there is a big motivation after the last couple of tests. We made a few changes on the car, and we made a step forward, closer to the other people. That is really encouraging.

Q. Do you think that Mr Mallya understands what it will take to get this team closer to the front?

GF: I think so. The investment he has put in is really important, even for a rich man like him. He knows what he wants, and he has a lot of passion, and he wants to see his team growing up, and do well for himself, for his country. The organisation here is fantastic, and this can be a really good team in a couple of years.

Q. Is there less pressure here?

GF: There is less pressure, yes. We know where we are, and we can only improve. There is no pressure at the moment. In the last couple of years, Renault were one of the top teams, we won the championship in 2005 and 2006, and for 2007 the target was the same, so there was a lot of pressure.

Unfortunately, the car wasn't quick enough to reach what we expected. Even when there is a lot of pressure it's ok for me, but for sure here there is a good atmosphere and less pressure.