Fisichella Baffled by Penalty

The Italian slowed down on the entry to the pitlane to allow a gap to build up between himself and race leader Fernando Alonso - a tactic designed to ensure that he did not lose too many positions to the cars behind him when he stopped himself.

But although the FIA outlawed that behaviour after Kimi Raikkonen pulled off a similar stunt at the Belgian Grand Prix, Fisichella has claimed he does not understand why he was punished.

"I was just managing my pace at the start, driving within the limits to let Fernando build a good lead, and I was still in a strong position when the FIA penalised me," he said.

"I don't know why, because Raikkonen did the same in Belgium and nothing happened to him, and it was a shame not to be able to celebrate on the podium with Fernando and Flavio."

Despite eventually finishing fourth, Fisichella has made it clear that he was happy to have played a part in Renault capturing the Constructors' World Championship.

"I am so happy for the whole team, because we are now champions of the world," added the Italian. "That was our target today, and we did the best possible. I enjoyed the race, because the car balance was fantastic and I could keep the McLarens behind easily in the first stint.

"Overall, this has been a fantastic year for me, my best in F1. I have won a race, scored podiums and helped the team to be World Champions. I bounced back strongly after the criticism last weekend, and this is the best fourth place of my life."