Fisichella eager to keep racing in 2010

Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella is keen to keep racing in Formula 1 next year, despite reports that he could retire or move into a testing role

The Italian, who has been in F1 since 1996 and has started 222 grands prix, is exploring all avenues to remain in F1, including the possibility of continuing with Force India for a third season.

"Why not?" he told AUTOSPORT when asked if he wants to carry on. "I still don't know what will happen next year, but I'd like to stay in F1 and need to look at the options.

"Force India is growing up very well, so it is an option."

The 36-year-old denied having any contact with Ferrari after reports over the mid-season break linked him to a possible test driver role with the Scuderia in 2010.

"I'm here, but nobody has called me," he said. "I am just concentrating on what I am doing."

Fisichella is hopeful a major upgrade package for Valencia this weekened will allow him to fight for his first points finish since the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix.

Force India was encouraged by the results of a recent straightline aerodynamic test conducted by Vitantonio Liuzzi, and Fisichella is hopeful that the team might have gained time on its rivals.

"I think we will have made one of the biggest steps of the season and maybe an even bigger one than the other teams," Fisichella told AUTOSPORT.

"The update package is at least as big as the one we had at Silverstone, where we made a big step forward. It's very encouraging for this race.

"Last year, I was quite competitive. I like the circuit so the target is to get into Q2. Then, why not score a point?"