Fisichella: ?My dream: to be on the podium?

Giancarlo, you are now a pilot Ferrari, What are your feelings ?

I'm very happy, I couldn't believe it. It has been my dream to drive for Ferrari since I was little and it is now a reality. I thank the president Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, the director. It?s great and I?m really looking forward to racing.

How were the few hours before you found out that you were going to drive for Ferrari?

Before Wednesday morning, I had no contact with Ferrari. At that time, my manager called me to tell me that he was going to have an interview with Stefano. So I was very excited until they announced the news.

What have you been doing these last few days?

I came to spend a few days in Maranello where I had several meetings with the engineers. I did physical exercises and drove in the simulator to get to know the steering wheel better, in particular, and to feel confident before the first free practice sessions.

Your race engineer will be Rob Smedley. Can you tell us about him.

Rob is a fantastic engineer. I already worked with him at Jordan in 2002 and 2003. We even won in Brazil in 2003. It's good because I have a good feeling with him and that makes things easier.

Your new teammate will be Kimi Räikkönen who you followed for a good part of the race at Spa. What can you tell us about him and what you expect from your collaboration?

Kimi is a fantastic driver. He won the championship with Ferrari and he is currently very motivated after his victory at Spa. I hope to work with him, in fact we need to work together to resolve the car's problems. We'll probably make a good pair.

What is your goal over the next five races with Ferrari?

The objective is of course to score as many points as possible for Ferrari to maintain third place in the Constructors' championship. It would be a dream to get on the podium but let's not rush things and move forward step by step.

From a technical point of view, is it easier to start at Monza ?

It's great because I know this circuit well, which is my home Grand Prix. It should be easier because you have time to think about what you are going to do on the long straights before making a decision.

This is your home race as well as for Ferrari. What can you say to the Ferrari fans who will be there this weekend?

I am very motivated and there will be a lot of pressure. It's going to be fantastic. I hope to do well and go to the end to get as many points as possible. As I told you, my dream would be to get on the podium but it will be difficult.

Your relationship with Ferrari will not end at the end of the season. What awaits you next?

It's good because I have not only signed a contract for the next five races but I will be third Ferrari driver next season. I am very happy and proud to stay a little longer with a team like Ferrari.