Fisichella Delighted with Maiden F1 Victory

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was delighted to be handed victory at Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix following the FIA's decision to overturn the results.

Jordan driver Fisichella has competed in 110 Formula One Grands Prix and Sunday's race at Interlagos marked his team's 200th race. The victory was Fisichella's first in 110 starts and Jordan's first since Germany's Heinz-Harald Frentzen claimed the 1999 Italian Grand Prix. The last Italian driver to win a Grand Prix was Riccardo Patrese for Williams in Japan in 1992.

"I am very happy that the FIA and everybody recognises that I won the Brazilian Grand Prix," said Fisichella. "I already thought this was the case, and the team believed it straight away and then in recent days when the evidence was examined, we knew it was true and hoped it would become official.

"It was very difficult for me with the confusion after the race, and I'm still disappointed that I didn't have my moment at the top of the podium, but I am pleased that it is clear now that I have won my first Grand Prix! I would like to thank the team and my loyal fans for all their support, and I'm looking forward to more podiums and wins in the future.

"Now I can't wait for the next Grand Prix because it will be fantastic to be in Italy, racing in front of fans at home. The atmosphere at Imola is always great, and it's a few years since an Italian driver won a Grand Prix so it's going to be even better this time. I'm proud to be starting my home Grand Prix as a race winner."

Fisichella's win also meant Ford Cosworth scored their 176th Grand Prix success. Jordan team boss Eddie Jordan was also delighted with the result.

"I am delighted for Giancarlo, the team, Ford and all our sponsors," said Jordan. "Sunday's race was absolutely thrilling and I am very grateful to the FIA for examining the results in such detail and acknowledging that the victory is Giancarlo's.

"It was a hazardous race and he demonstrated great talent and maturity, as did all the drivers. Obviously it's a shame that the results weren't accurately reported immediately as it would have been better if Giancarlo had been able to celebrate his first win in the normal fashion on the top step of the podium, but I hope that opportunity will come again soon.

"I would like to thank Giancarlo and every single person at Jordan and Ford for their efforts and congratulate them on our success. It is terrific news for us to record our fourth Grand Prix victory and it proves that we are still able to challenge the top teams. That's very satisfying for an independent team in today's environment."