Fisichella unconcerned by Sato threat

Fisichella visited his new team's factory this week for the first time since he raced with Jordan in 1997. The 28-year-old is initially expected to have the upper hand over Sato as the Formula 1 rookie finds his feet.

However, Sato dominated this year's British Formula 3 Championship and will likely give the Italian a run for his money. Fisichella has admitted that while he will help his new team mate to settle in, he is not planning to blight his record of always outpacing his team mate.

"I haven't met him (Sato) yet, but I hear he's talented and has been very quick in F3 and testing," said Fisichella. "It will be part of my job to help him as it's his first time in F1, but at the end of the day I am competing against him just as much as everybody else. I have always been quicker than my team mate so hopefully I'll be faster than him!"

During a three-year stint at Benetton, Fisichella achieved a best result of second place with the Enstone team and the Italian is intent on taking the next step to the top of the podium next year.

"My aim is to be at the top, quicker than everybody," said Fisichella. "I have come second five times and third four times so I want to win. Sometimes I think a lot about the races where I have come so close and then either something with the car or a mistake stopped me from winning, but I try not to dwell on it too much. I feel quite positive and it's my aim to win a race this year - well hopefully not just one."