Fisichella Eyes Scoreboard in 2009

Giancarlo Fisichella has many plans heading to a new Formula 1 campaign in 2009. First of all, scoring his first point for Force India has become top priority for the Italian veteran. While admitting he had a lousy season in 2008 – although he insisted he didn't expect much from his debut season with Vijay Mallya's team – Fisico is confident the new partnership with McLaren will boost his chances to making the scoreboard next year.

“I'm looking forward to it. With the new rules it could all change, especially with the slick tires, and different downforce levels. I think it's very important to build a good car for those rules, and to try to run as soon as possible with the new car with the slicks. With the new partnerships I think it's a great opportunity for us,” said Fisichella on the 2009 season.

Force India will benefit from a brand new power train from Mercedes-Benz in 2009 – engine, transmission and KERS unit – after Mallya decided to part ways with Ferrari at the end of 2008. The choice 'to abandon the Ferrari ship' was made after the Scuderia publicly announced they are late in developing their KERS technology in time for the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.

McLaren, on the other hand, have already conducted 2 series of tests on their KERS unit – Jerez and Algarve – before the introduction of next year's car, in January. However, both teams have urged the FIA to postpone the introduction of the technology from as early as next year due to increasing costs for developing a functional unit.

Force India have so far tested the new standard slick tires at Barcelona, last month, while choosing not to take part to the Jerez and Algarve test meeting in December. Although some of the testing was conducted by McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa, Mallya confirmed that Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will be the only drivers competing for Force India in 2009.