Fisichella targets Renault

Sauber's new signing Giancarlo Fisichella has set his sights on beating Renault, his former team, but has admitted there is no way Sauber can fight with the top three Formula 1 outfits in 2004

Fisichella scored his first win last year for Jordan in Brazil, but hopes that Sauber can give him a more stable platform from which to attack the midfield manufacturer-backed teams. Speaking at the launch of the new C23 chassis, 'Fisi' says he can't wait to get stuck in to the fight, especially against the team he was forced out of at the end of 2001.

"I think a realistic target this year is to be on the pace with Renault," said Fisichella. "There is no way we can fight with the top three. The gap between fifth and eighth was very small last year, and I expect it to be tough again. My goal for this year is to have a good car! And most importantly, a reliable car. We're going to work very hard on the reliability in the winter."

Fisichella confirmed at the launch that he will definitely test for Ferrari at some point this year. He is also looking forward to the Scuderia's close links with Sauber, plus picking the brain of new team-mate Felipe Massa, who was a test driver at Ferrari last year.

"The Ferrari engine feels good so far, but of course that is last year's engine so we have to wait and see on the new one," said Fisichella. "It gave me a good impression straight away. It's very driveable. I look forward to using the 2004 engine, but I am even happier about the use of the Ferrari gearbox.

"It's also good to have a Ferrari driver as a team-mate, as he can pass on lots of useful engine information to us - and also what he has learnt from their way of working. My target is to beat Felipe, and I'll do my best. He's quick, but I feel very confident physically and mentally - as confident as I have ever been."

Fisichella says he is impressed from what he's seen so far at Sauber, but admits that winning a race will be unlikely in 2004.

"If Brazil is wet again, maybe we can repeat the result - anything can happen," he said. "But otherwise its probably not realistic to hope for a win.

"There's a very good atmosphere in the team, it's very professional team with professional mechanics. I feel very good in the Sauber although I have only had the one test at Barcelona last month. There's very good collaboration and friendship in the team. I'm very happy to be here and pleased with my choice. I feel experienced, optimistic and positive."