Although it's unlikely that Giancarlo Fisichella will ever get his dream drive with Ferrari, the popular Italian is attracting attention at the right end of the pitlane.

Starting from the back of the grid in yesterday's British Grand Prix, the Sauber star, running a two-stop strategy, worked his way up to sixth position, and three more points, seeing off drivers in supposedly superior cars.

Jean Todt, although clearly impressed, is of the opinion that it was the entire package that worked in the Italian's favour: "Good tyres, consistent tyres, meant he could drive 23 laps before his first pit stop so it was probably the best strategy," said the Frenchman.

"He didn't have to bother about the starting order because he knew he was starting at the back and it's already happened like that before, for many competitors who started at the back of the grid."

However, BMW Motosport boss, Mario Theissen, was impressed by the little Italian: "That was very interesting to watch," said the German. "That he was able to move to sixth from the back of the field is something that we have to look into."

With Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya both leaving Grove at the end of the season, the British team is looking for two drivers, and Fisichella certainly fits into the 'racer' mould so beloved of team boss Frank Williams.

Director of engineering, Patrick Head, was also impressed: "He had a fantastic race, " said the Englishman. "A strong race, strong finish and strong driver obviously."

With many F1 insiders already convinced that Mark Webber has already been signed for 2005, there is constant speculation as to who should be placed in the second seat. It's known that Fisichella is one of a number of drivers that the Grove outfit is looking at, a list that includes Anthony Davidson, Jacques Villeneuve and Nick Heidfeld.

However, Williams and Head have both said that they want a proven winner in their car, and though Fisi's one win was fortuitous, it was still a win, and under difficult circumstances. There are many within the paddock that believe that, given the right car, the Italian still has championship winning potential.

When asked if Fisichella was being considered for the second seat, Head replied: "He's always been on the list."

The Italian was delighted with his result, but revealed that it could have been even better. "I was so confident in my car today!" he said. "I knew that I had a very quick one and when I was running on my own it was fantastic.

"Early on I was able to overtake several cars that were carrying less fuel than I was. At the end I lost time in my final stop as the mechanics topped up my engine's pneumatics, and without that I would easily have beaten Montoya."