Fisichella revels in Renault return

Giancarlo Fisichella is ready for a learning experience as he adjusts to life at Renault.

The Italian drove for the team during their days as Benetton and gets back behind the wheel next Wednesday for his first test with Renault.

He has already visited the team’s Enstone factory and is eager to get as much experience as possible of Renault before the introduction of a new car.

He said: “It was quite an emotional day when I went back there for the first time, but everything went very smoothly. I did my seat fitting, and there were no problems at all getting comfortable in the car, and then I met people around the factory.

“In fact, I left that evening even more excited about next year. I am looking forward to the challenge.

“The sessions between now and Christmas will be about learning.

“We are using the old car so it is not my ultimate speed that will be important – it is about getting used to working with the team again, how I can drive the tyres and just understanding the whole package. There is a lot of work to do.”

Fisichella, who has spent the last three years battling away in the midfield with Jordan and Sauber, is relishing the chance to drive a front-of-the-grid car for the first time in his career.

“We hope that it will be quick straight away and it will be important to get plenty of mileage on it and on the engine before the first race,” said Fisichella, who will partner Fernando Alonso next season.

“That will be a demanding period for the entire team and I want to make sure I am fully prepared for it.”