07/09/2009
NEWS STORY
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Giancarlo Fisichella, who will replace Felipe Massa in the last five races of the season, and who will be Ferrari's third driver in 2010, has met the Press for the first time since he joined the Maranello outfit.
"The dream has come true but the challenge is not really easy," said Fisichella. "I'm starting from the beginning, with a new car, a new team and a new steering wheel.
"I found a very open atmosphere here at Maranello," he continued. "I know that in Monza I can count on two forces I didn't have before. KERS, which means 70-80 bhp more, and we could see that this was what I was missing last Sunday at Spa when I was behind Raikkonen, and the Ferrari fans' enthusiasm.
"I have to give them everything back, with results a driver with my experience can gain. Well with my feet on the ground, if I will gain places on the podium or win than it's merited. After Friday's emotion I will lower my visor, put it in first gear and give 100%."
The journalists at Fiorano were curious about his feelings, especially considering the speed with which things have happened since last Wednesday. Fisichella admitted: "I couldn't believe it, I didn't sleep that night, but I didn't speak about it with anyone. 24 hours later came the announcement.
"The first person I spoke to was my father, my biggest fan, the one who said from time to time: 'how come that Ferrari doesn't call you?'.
As for contact with the other Ferrari drivers: "I didn't speak to them so far," he admitted. "Kimi is a great guy, a real world champion. It will be great racing with him. I'll meet Michael tomorrow at Vallelunga. I know that he gave a positive comment when my name was mentioned. That's great."
And Felipe Massa? "After the contract was signed I called him together with Domenicali. He told me that he was really happy and that I am the right choice. I told him that I am very sad that I got this possibility only because of what happened to him in Hungary and I hope that he will be back as soon as possible. When he wants to come back the car is his. He can take it back. I hope that I'll be as good as he is and to gain the results he had gained."
The Roman driver, who will contest his 227th GP this weekend, thanked Chairman Luca di Montezemolo: "I have to say thank you to Chairman Montezemolo, who personally chose me, thank you also to Domenicali and to Ferrari for this possibility."