Fisichella's Move to Renault Confirmed

By Jamie Makin
July 28 2004

Renault F1 confirmed today that they have signed Giancarlo Fisichella to a two-year deal. Fisichella will replace the departing Jarno Trulli and will partner young Spaniard Fernando Alonso next season.

The move comes as little surprise after Trulli announced his intentions to leave Renault at last weekend's German Grand Prix.

Fisichella drove for Renault in their prior incarnation as Benetton from 1998 through 2001. The team was floundering near the bottom of the constructors standings at the time he left for Jordan. Renault's purchase of the team in 2002 and subsequent development work have lifted them to second place in this year's championship. They are the only team not mathematically eliminated from this year's championship, although it is just a matter of time before Ferrari will claim the title. Renault are the only team other than Ferrari to win a race this season and have their sights firmly set on winning a championship in the coming years.

Renault Sports Group's President Patrick Faure explains their choice of Fisichella to replace Trulli. "Recently we have lacked a bit of dynamism and aggression and we think Giancarlo can restore that and fulfil our ambition to be constructors champions in 2005 or 2006."

The move will land the 31-year old Roman in the competitive car he has long dreamed of, although it could cost him a chance at eventually racing for Ferrari. A clause in his contract will allow him to leave SAUBER PETRONAS a year early but it is believed that Renault have had to pay SAUBER for the privilege of signing him.

SAUBER have not yet issued a statement on Fisichella's move or who his replacement will be. Top contenders for the position include BAR-Honda test driver Anthony Davidson, McLaren star David Coulthard, German Touring Car's Gary Paffett or Champ Car's Mario Dominquez.

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