Fisi optimistic about Italy

Fisichella commented: "I believe that the latest developments to our car and engine will give us the chance to do a good job here."

Jordan tech boss Gary Anderson added: "Honda has a new step forward for the engine for Monza, which we're positive about, because you always need more power here."

Both Fisichella and his team-mate Takuma Sato are particularly looking forward to racing at the Autodromo Nazionale. "Monza has an historical atmosphere," said Fisichella, " and in Italy as well as throughout the world it is revered as a temple of speed."

Sato has only raced here before in Formula Opel, but after this week's F1 test is looking forward to the Grand Prix. "I like this sort of fast track," he said. "It was incredible to drive F1 at Monza, because it is so fast. I have never driven F1 with so little wing!"