Giancarlo, do you feel ready for the season ahead of you?
Giancarlo Fisichella: Absolutely. It is a good feeling to be back with this team: I know the people well, they know me and we have worked hard during the winter to get things working smoothly. Since I was last at the team, though, the ambitions have changed: Renault are in Formula One to win the world championship and it is a privilege that they have chosen me to be part of it. It is important to feel they have confidence in me and from my point of view, I am excited to be in a top team that I know can win races.

For 2005, the engine must last for two weekends: what is it like to drive the RS25?
GF: I could tell straight away it is stronger. When we ran in Valencia, there was still work to do to fine-tune the mapping, but I could feel it was better in the mid-range and at the top end. Things look quite positive at this point.

You had your first taste of the R25 last week: how was it?
GF: I was very excited as soon as I saw the car – the shape is very aggressive, and even in the garage I had a good feeling with it. When I did the first lap, I was comfortable straight away and had confidence with the car. The biggest difference to the R24 is in rear end stability: the new car is much more consistent through the corners, and if it does break away, it is more predictable and easier to control. There are not many kerbs in Valencia, but it felt like the ride was better too. Overall, I think it is definitely a good step forward.

Some people have said that your smooth style will suit the 2005 regulations: what do you think?
GF: I hope it will. I have a lot of experience running long stints in the races, and have learned a lot about race strategy since I was last with the team. This year, we will have to be quick but also save the tyres during the race, and I hope I can do that with this car. For the moment, the signs are quite promising. Of course, we cannot be sure until we arrive in Melbourne, but what I can be sure of is this: before driving the car I was already looking forward to the season; now, I am really looking forward to it…

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