In an interview for British magazine Autosport, the Italian admitted that driving an under-achieving car was usually not his business in Formula 1 so far. However, how that he has to turn the newly-developed VJM02 into a front-runner race after race, the pressure on him is getting bigger by the day.
“It was really tough mentally for me you know. In my career I usually drove a good car and won races. I went many times on the podium so it wasn't easy to be always in the last row... sometimes it was very frustrating, and sometimes it was encouraging. But you know, it is my job and I like this sport – and I still want to go ahead,” said Fisichella for the aforementioned publication.
The Italian also insisted that the new car was launched rather late – as compared to the other teams – and the short testing time to the season opener was not enough for the mechanics to improve the VJM02's setup. Although the 2009-spec car had a good pace during the first couple of days in testing, Fisichella admitted it still has plenty of flaws ahead of the Aussie GP.
“Mechanically the car looks alright, with the engine and gearbox running very well, but we need downforce. We are struggling with the grip, so for the first four races away from Europe I think we are going to struggle like last year. But hopefully when we come back in Barcelona we will have KERS and a new package, I hope it is a good step forward,” added Fisico.
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