F1 team review - Ferrari

Raced with Force India until Belgium, with Ferrari thereafter

"Giancarlo Fisichella's best days in Formula 1 appeared well behind him until he hustled Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari to a strong second place at the Belgian Grand Prix having started from pole position.

"Four days later he moved to Ferrari to fill the injured Felipe Massa's seat for the final five races.

"He had said that whatever happens he would have no regrets about his move to Ferrari - well he should have.

"It has been very disappointing to watch Fisichella at Ferrari; his performances have been off the pace and error-ridden. When Heikki Kovalainen passed him coming out of the pits in Suzuka he was asleep.

"Fisichella came from that brilliant race for Force India and into the Ferrari seat and it should have been his crowning glory; he should have raised his game but obviously couldn't.

"Maybe it's a difficult car to drive but Raikkonen and Massa managed it fine. The Italian has seemingly been confirmed as Ferrari's test driver although there is still talk of him returning to Force India."

What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula One driver?
Great, unique and tough.

What is the biggest perk of the job?
Probably travelling round the world, you get to see so much of it - better than being in an office!

How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?
As a nice guy.

What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
I've been in F1 for a long time, but I can't really remember being very embarrassed.

I do remember being shocked though when I won the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix and started celebrating, only to find out that the timekeepers said Kimi Raikkonen had won. I eventually got the trophy at the race after.

Who is the worst dressed Formula One driver?
Jackie Stewart probably - I don't like the tartan caps that much - or Niki Lauda, he wears some strange shoes.

Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost?
Senna.

Spa or Monaco?
Spa, as it's 7km rather than the usual 3-5km. There are lots of corners, it really flows. I love Monaco, but I think that Spa just has it.

FISICHELLA STATS & FACTS Team: Force India Team-mate: Kimi Raikkonen Previous teams: Minardi, Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault and Force India Car number: 3 Nationality: Italian Born: 14/01/1973, Rome Grand Prix debut: Australia 1996 Grands Prix entered: 231 Wins: 3 Pole positions: 4 Podiums: 19 Points: 277

If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?

A footballer. I love the sport and have played it since I was young.

Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?
There are so many, but Pele stands out. He was really respected as being the best of his generation.

What would be your perfect day off?
It would have to be to wake up when I like, rest a bit and then spend some time with my children.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
There are a few places. I like the sea and I have a boat, so spending time on that is great, but the mountains are nice too. I like Alta Badia in Italy a lot.

Apart from a house what is the most expensive thing that you own?
My boat, Fizzy. It's moored in Sardinia at the moment.

What is your favourite item of clothing?
I like clothes by Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, most things by them are good.

What is your favourite music to drive to?
I have really varied tastes and will listen to a lot of different music. It just depends on my mood at the time.

Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?
The previous Pope, John Paul II. He was a genuinely interesting person and was in a very unique and fantastic position in the world.

I met him once with the F1 football team. I took my daughter, Carlotta, who was only a year old or so at the time and he held her and blessed her.

Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know
Most people will know I'm very keen on football, but I also like to ski as well.

Steve McQueen or Paul Newman?
Both are very cool, but Paul Newman. Even though McQueen drove as well, Newman's the more famous for motorsport, he drove and owned teams.

Boxers or briefs?
Briefs. Do you want me to check?

Angelina Jolie or Keira Knightley?
Who is Keira Knightley? I'm not sure who she is but in any case, whatever she looks like, it would have to be Angelina Jolie.

James Bond or Austin Powers?
No competition, James Bond.

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