The Force India vacant seat alongside Adrian Sutil was the target of several drivers. I was not too surprised when they decided to hire Giancarlo Fisichella.
Giancarlo Fisichella – Italy
Born: 14 January 1973
In F1 since 1996 – Minardi, 1997 – Jordan, 1998 – 2001 Benetton, 2002 – 2003 Jordan, 2004 Sauber, 2005 – 2007 Renault, 2008 Force India
Best Result: 4th in 2006
Career wins: 3
Pole positions: 3
Podium Finishes: 18
After departure of Fernando Alonso from Renault to McLaren, Fisichella probably thought his chance to fight for the has finally come. Unfortunately for him Renault did not have the best of seasons in 2007 and at the end Fisi finished the season even behind his rookie team mate Heikki Kovalainen. Few were surprised Renault did not retain him for 2008 season. The move to Force India may look as a step back for Fisichella. He is returning to a team he raced for twice already while it was still known as Jordan. He may now forget about his dream to win the F1 title. He however seems to be enjoying his time in the Indian team. He was quite impressive during winter tests, clearly faster than both Sutil and Liuzzi (the 3rd driver). He is out to prove his critics wrong and his selection by Vijay Mallya right.
Adrian Sutil – Germany
Born: 11 January 1983
In F1 since 2007 – Spyker, 2008 Force India (tested for Midland/Spyker in 2006)
Best result: 4th in 2006
Career wins: 0
Pole positions: 0
Podium finishes: 0
Best finish: 8th
Adrian Sutil has been mentioned often in connection with the vacant seat in McLaren, but frankly speaking, I somehow do not see why. He was not bad, but he also was not exactly spectacular during 2007 season. Yes, he was the fastest guy in Saturday practice in Monaco, but it was cold windy and wet and who knows who was testing what time. He has a talent but he will definitely benefit from another season with former Spyker now Force India. That is however if he does get too humiliated by Giancarlo Fisichella. If many around the F1 paddock consider Fisi to be a spent force, what would they thing about a young talent who can’t beat Fisichella… And Liuzzi is around and waiting for his chance …
F1Wolf’s prediction for Force India drivers in 2008:
Unfortunately for Sutil I expect Fisichella to dominate here. Liuzzi may get his chance…
2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Ferrari
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2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Renault
2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Williams
2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Red Bull
2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Toyota
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2008 F1 Season – Team Mates – Toro Rosso
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Fisichella was one of the best things for force India. When he signed, he was really out to prove his critics wrong and he has.
Yes, Sutil will do ok and watching and learning from Fisichella will raise his stake in the long run.
Stew’s last blog post..2008 F1 Preview: Renault
i just cant see force india being in the top 10 this year.
Me neither but the financial backup of the owner will keep them in the race for a couple of years hopefully.
Fisi should be able to grab a few points along the season and keep Shah Rukh Han and all Indian fans Happy.
Bruno’s last blog post..McLaren boss Dennis to stay on