Fisichella Targets First GP Win in 2002

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella has set his sights on scoring his first Formula One Grand Prix victory this season with the Jordan team.

29-year old Fisichella, who made his Formula One debut with Minardi in 1996, has already competed in 91 Grands Prix in his career, but has only five second places to his name so far as his best results. In 2002, the Jordan driver says he is ready to go one better and finally climb to the top step of the podium.

"I expect a lot [from 2002]," Fisichella told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know it won't be easy because there are some very strong teams in front of us, and we've had some problems in winter tests.

"But my Jordan is a good car, and the engine only needs some developments. My objective is definitely to win a GP, my first victory in F1. I think that, these years, I've shown that I can be fast even during difficult times. I feel ready both mentally and physically: if the car is there, I won't be afraid of anything."

Fisichella returned to the Honda-powered Jordan squad after four years at Benetton, now Renault, and since 1997 the Italian believes a lot of things have changed at the Silverstone-based team and is relying on Honda to compete at the top.

"Compared to 1997, the team have grown like a top team, with a lot more people working there," he added. "Besides that, Honda is a prestigious manufacturer, they have always achieved at commendable levels in F1, and now they are betting a lot on this new, wider V-angled engine. It will need a few more developments, but we are optimistic."