Fisichella 'More Relaxed' after First Win

Giancarlo Fisichella, waving the Italian flag and cheered by his home fans, today finally got his hands on the Brazilian Grand Prix trophy 12 days after the event.

The Italian, confirmed as winner in place of Kimi Raikkonen after a hearing last Friday, was handed the trophy by his McLaren rival in a ceremony on the track at the San Marino Grand Prix. McLaren boss Ron Dennis then gave Eddie Jordan the constructors' trophy with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone looking on.

"It's very important for me," said Fisichella, a winner after 110 starts and in Jordan's 200th race. "After nearly eight years in Formula One I finished five times second and I never won. So I feel much better now, I feel much more relaxed and I'm looking forward."

Friday's ceremony, with almost as many photographers as spectators peering through the chainlink fence, was worlds apart from the rainswept mayhem of Interlagos on April 6 when the Brazilian race ended in chaos and confusion. There was no podium and no champagne, just cheers as the Italian and Irish anthems sounded in a ceremony that saw the drivers and team bosses standing in front of a Jordan and a McLaren parked on the pit straight.

Brilliant Sunshine

There was also barely a cloud in the sky, the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit bathed in brilliant sunshine in contrast to the drizzle and darkness of Brazil. At Interlagos, it was Raikkonen who had uncorked the champagne with Fisichella standing resignedly next to him after the Italian's initial celebrations were cut short when the young Finn was declared the winner.

Fisichella had led when the race was stopped due to two major crashes and was reinstated as winner only last Friday after a timing discrepancy came to light. The Italian was found to have started one lap more than previously thought.

"I must be the first F1 driver in history to win his first GP on a Friday and receive the trophy a week later," said Fisichella afterwards.