Pizzonia: I Need Another Chance Soon

The Brazilian impressed with his points-scoring finish for Williams in the Italian Grand Prix after only getting the call-up to race early on Saturday morning - having not even driven an F1 car for several months.

But after getting a rapturous applause from his team when he returned to the garage after the race, Pizzonia knows that another outing this year may be needed to prove just how good a job he can do.

"Inside the team everyone was happy with my work and I hope people in other teams have noticed the work I've done," said Pizzonia.

"But in Formula One people forget quickly what you've done and, without getting another chance soon, I don't think things will change.

"If I get another go in Spa, maybe people will start to take notice if I do a good job. So far I'm happy and even if I don't get another chance I go away happy that I did my best."

The most obvious possibility for Pizzonia next year could be at BMW - although he has not ruled out a chance at Williams.

"BMW could be a chance for me, but I'm not only hoping for that, as Williams hasn't finalised its drivers' line-up completely," he said.

"There's still a long road to be covered by us all and a lot of things can happen. If they need me I'll be available."

Pizzonia admitted that even he did not expect to go so well at Monza - having been given just 30-minute notice on Saturday morning that he was needed to replace the unwell Nick Heidfeld.

"Starting 16th I wasn't expecting to get into the points, but fortunately things were better than I expected, better than the team expected and I really go away with the sentiment of having completed my mission," he added.

"Now all I want is to have the opportunity to do a proper weekend, with the right preparation and everything, to show what I can really do."

Pizzonia's chances of racing in this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix will depend on whether Heidfeld is fit again - something that the team will only find out after further hospital tests this week.

Heidfeld began suffering headaches during Friday running at the Italian Grand Prix, most probably as a result of a big testing crash he had at the track the week before.

Speaking about whether he will be racing at Spa, Pizzonia said: "For the moment no one mentioned that and I haven't asked either, because I wanted to concentrate on my race here in Monza.

"Now we wait and see what happens. I hope Nick recovers, but if he doesn't, I'll have another opportunity in Spa and there I'll try to do my best again."