Fisichella wants a Benetton future

Another piece of the 2001 Formula 1 jigsaw began to slot into place only hours after David Coulthard had been confirmed at McLaren for next season.

"I am quite confident I'll be here next season," said Fisichella. "I would like to stay. The team is getting better, especially with Renault buying them. Next year we will have a much better engine and a better budget."

Fisichella has finished third in the last two races and was second in
Brazil, to sit fifth in the drivers' championship. The Italian's points tally has single-handedly guided Benetton back to third in the constructors' championship behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Fisichella's team mate Alexander Wurz, who is yet to trouble the scorers this season, looks set to be released at the end of the season, leaving the way clear for Villeneuve, should he decide to quit BAR.

The Jordan team has denied suggestions that the PR-loathing French-Canadian could follow Honda to Jordan, leaving Benetton and Renault as his most viable option - Villeneuve was Renault-powered when he won the world title in 1997.