The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Fisichella disappointed, but sees a few positives

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Fisichella disappointed, but sees a few positives

Principal Correspondent

MELBOURNE: Even in his wildest dreams, Giancarlo Fisichella would not have imagined that he would finish just behind the World champion in the Formula One Australian Grand Prix qualifiers here.

The Force India’s seasoned star did just that on Saturday, at 17th position a step behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, but was far from happy. Missing the second qualifying round, which had been Fisichella’s target here, by one berth was also very painful.

Optimistic

After a top-10 performance in Friday’s practice session, Force India, which is making its F-1 debut here, was optimistic about its chances in the season opener. The team was even talking about picking a point here.

“It is a bit disappointing considering the weekend so far,” said the 35-year-old, the winner here three years ago with Renault. “There were lots of difficulties, especially in the braking points. Now, we need to work a lot on the grip, need to work in the wind tunnel to improve the down force.”

Good potential

But the Italian, who has the experience of nearly 200 Grands Prix under his belt, found a few positives too. “I see good potential for this car. And I believe in the project and hope to grow with it. I’ve been in similar situations before, in 2002-2003 with Jordan and I won even in that situation, in Brazil.” He is happy with the new regulations. The time gaps will be a lot closer now because all the electronic things are gone. His goal for Sunday is to last the entire race.

Fisichella’s Force India teammate Adrian Sutil (19th in qualifiers), who had a spin in the final lap of the first qualifying round, said his car was out of balance at many corners. “Now, I’ll have to see the engine and the chassis. I may have to change them. If that’s the case, I’ll have to start from the pit lane,” said the 25-year-old German who finished 17th in Melbourne last year.

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