Gascoyne believes he has a trick to shine in 2008

Force India believes that it will be able to make the most of its driver Giancarlo Fisichella in 2008, despite his partial failure to secure success opportunities with Renault.

The Roman was somewhat overshadowed by the presence of Fernando Alonso during the years they were together in the French team. But with Alonso’s departure, Renault endured a frustrating 2007 campaign, and Fisichella was unable to assert himself against a rookie named Kovalainen.

After leaving Renault in 2007, he embarked on a new challenge by joining Force India.

And although on paper this team change is a step backward for the Italian, the technical director of the Indian team, Mike Gascoyne, believes that Fisichella will be better able to show what he is capable of during the season.

« With the absence of traction control, I always thought that Giancarlo would be a perfect fit with the team, » said Gascoyne, who has already worked with Fisichella during their time at Benetton.

He was accused of being a little too ‘light’ during his career, but he was in an environment where the pressure with Alonso was immense, not to mention Flavio Briatore who was omnipresent. Renault could not and did not know how to bring out the best in him.

« If we now consider him in relation to Force India: He is experienced, he knows the people, and he feels comfortable, and just like in 2001 with Benetton, he will certainly drive a difficult car but he will do it fantastically well all year, » he continued.

« If you put him in a ‘comfortable’ environment, you can then get the best out of him. Here, it is the environment he needs. »

Gascoyne asserts that the arrival of an experienced driver like Fisichella will contribute in the future to the development of an increasingly high-performing single-seater.

« I think that from the beginning of the year, Giancarlo will be faster than his teammate Sutil. Then, little by little towards the middle of the season, Adrian will adapt to his pace and try to do as well as him, » he explained.

« And that’s what I think but also what Adrian expects to do. Fore India is advancing a perfect combination with its driver lineup. »