Liuzzi Aims for McLaren Seat

Prior to the start of the 2010 Formula One season, many were thinking that Vitantonio Liuzzi was handed one last shot to still being part of the wonderful world of the Great Circus by Force India-Mercedes. Everybody except the very Italian driver, who insisted that his best time lies ahead of him, and his latest performances in the VJM03 recommends him for at least one more season at the Silverstone-based team.

Although Scottish driver Paul di Resta is knocking on Force India's door for a 2011 seat, Liuzzi insisted that his initial plans with the Indian outfit extend at least until the end of the upcoming campaign, after which he aims much higher: his favorite team, McLaren Mercedes.

“I feel very good with Force India and I have an agreement with them for the whole of 2011. But my aim and my dream is to race for McLaren, who have always been my favorite team,” said Liuzzi in a recent interview with Italian magazine Autosprint.

“As for Force India, I think that with the budget available to us, we have done a great job. And we are optimistic looking ahead, because those who have much bigger budget now need to learn to work with lower numbers,” added the Italian driver, who has recently experienced a hell of a race in Canada.

Once he switched back to his old chassis, the 28-year old Italian qualified on a career high 6th place in Montreal and ended the race in 9th place, after an incredible race recovery. In the very first chicane of the circuit, Liuzzi was caught in a racing incident with a bunch of drivers and practically had to start the race from the rear of the field. He moved up the pack gradually and, after a superb battle with Michael Schumacher, he clinched the valuable 9th position.