Giancarlo Fisichella insists he's ready for the challenge of leading Force India off the back of the F1 grid.
Italian veteran reveals he turned down test driver offers
Giancarlo Fisichella is keen to silence those who have questioned his decision to join Force India, the Italian insisting he's up to the challenge of leading the outfit off the back of the grid.
The 35-year-old left Renault at the end of last season after failing to secure a contract extension, with Force India subsequently signing Fisichella after he impressed during a test for the team.
The decision raised a few eyebrows in the paddock as some felt he should have rather quit F1 than join a backmarker team.
However, Fisichella reckons he'll prove his critics wrong this season.
"For sure the general opinion was that I should have quit Formula One. On the contrary I like challenges and I love the sport and I want to prove everyone wrong," he told the official F1 website.
"The management of Force India is very focused and they know what they want. The people out there do not understand it, so it is up to us to show them how things have changed."
Rumours
When asked about rumours that Renault and BMW had both offered him the role of test driver, Fisichella confirmed that the teams had but "honestly that was never an option for me. I want to race."
Scoring points is also high on Fisichella's criteria for the season and he reckons that Force India have the ability to finish grands prix in the top eight.
"I am looking for points - as many as I can get. Then we will work together with the technical people to gradually improve the car and I want to be their guiding force," he added.
"As for real improvement, I would realistically say that the second part of the season is when I expect that we will catch up. Watch us then."