Fisichella point to prove

Renault ace out to retain seat for 2008 season

Last updated: 6th September 2007

Renault Fisichella

Fisichella: Fight for Renault seat in 2007

Giancarlo Fisichella believes his performances in the last few races this season will determine whether he remains with Renault next year.

The Italian's future with the French team is currently the subject of intense speculation, especially given the rumours former team-mate Fernando Alonso is to quit McLaren and return at the end of the year.

Should that be the case, it could leave Fisichella and team-mate Heikki Kovalainen fighting over the remaining race seat.

Following the Turkish Grand Prix 11 days ago, Kovalainen's sixth-placed finish allowed him to move ahead of Fisichella in the drivers' standings for the first time this season.

Fisichella, on home soil at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, is convinced any decision made by Briatore will boil down to more than who finishes ahead of the other.

"I do not believe those two points make the difference," remarked Fisichella when asked about the situation.

"Heikki is a good driver and he has worked as hard as I have with the package that we have.

Maximum

"I was in front of him until the last race and I could be ahead again after the next one.

"We work for the team to get the maximum points for Renault."

Dismissing suggestions he is being out-performed by Kovalainen, Fisichella added: "That is only down to strategies.

"In my case occasionally they did not work, not because I have made any mistakes.

"We are constantly looking for points, and with six cars in front of us which are better than us, we can only fight for two places.

"We have another six cars fighting with us for the same positions, so it is tough."

Fisichella feels he should be retained by the team, adding: "They have to choose very soon if I will be re-confirmed or not.

"Personally, I would like to stay because I have worked very hard and made very few mistakes.

"There are still five races to go, and each one will be important for the team and myself.

"We are totally focused on the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, which will be a very special race for me."