Fisichella: 'Jenson doesn't scare me'

Fisichella, who has yet to win a Grand Prix despite a host of podium finishes with the Enstone equipe, has welcomed his new team-mate, but says he is not scared of the competition. Last year he was partnered by Alexander Wurz, who suffered a poor season and was dropped at the end of the season.

"I think Benetton will be one of the strongest teams in 2001 - especially on the driver front," said the Italian. "But I am not going to act any differently because Jenson is my team-mate. I will just have to do the maximum everywhere. I've done it in the past and I will do the same in the future - whether it is Jenson, whether it is Jacques Villeneuve or whether it is Michael Schumacher."

The 27-year-old is confident the team can pose a threat for victories this year, despite the possible pitfalls of using tyres from newcomers Michelin and a radical new, wide-angle V10 engine built by Renault.

"We have learned a lot with the tyres and I am optimistic about the new Renault engine," he added. "The tyres are very competitive and I am very confident. It's my target to win my first race, to be competitive everywhere and score a lot of points. I am now one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and with a good car I am sure I can go well."

Fisichella is expected to resume testing duties in Jerez next week after recovering from surgery on his knee in December.