Fisichella's first career win, in a Jordan at rain-soaked Interlagos in 2003, was arguably the most freakishly lucky F1 result in the new millennium. Sunday's win was also the result of rain and luck, although this time the Italian's fortuitous timing happened in the first qualifying session rather than the race itself. Nevertheless, nobody could begrudge Fisichella a stroke of good fortune in a career where poor decisions and rotten luck have been ever-present travelling companions.
Unfortunately, the increasing bitterness and in-fighting surrounding off-track issues meant that only part of the F1 world's attention was focused on Fisichella's excellently consistent and well-judged drive. Australia also marked an ugly legal wrangle between the FIA and Paul Stoddart's Minardi outfit, along with the introduction of the new 2005 rules. And it was these issues, rather than the racing itself, that dominated the weekend.
142 starts into his Formula One career, Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella finally got the belated Christmas present he'd been waiting for at Sunday's season opening Australian Grand Prix. It wasn't the Italian's maiden GP victory, but it was the first time in a long and under-rated career that Fisichella has had the pleasure of winning the race and standing atop the podium to receive his trophy on the same day.
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