15 years ago: Fisichella and Renault, quiet winners in Australia

At the end of the 2004 season Formula 1, Renault gives himself the means to jump the last hurdle, the highest, the one that would allow him to fight regularly for victory. The French team did win a Grand Prix in Hungary in 2003 and in Monaco in 2004, the highlights remain scattered.

During the off-season, the staff of Viry-Châtillon (Essonne) andenstone (Great Britain) develops the R25. No, not dad's opulent sedan, but the last one car equipped with a V10!

Among the new aerodynamic features, the front wing is thinner while the engine hood is literally lacerated with long vents in the engine hood to ensure good cooling of the 900 horsepower unit. The center of gravity is lowered compared to the R24 in order to give better dynamic behavior.

After very promising times in winter testing, the blue and yellow machines arrive in Melbourne (Australia) as favorites. They won't disappoint, but they won't be the leader Fernando Alonso who will carry the colors of the Diamond high.

At that time, qualifying took place over two flying laps: one on Saturday afternoon, the other on Sunday morning. To determine the first order of passage of the drivers, it is necessary to take the classification of the previous event, here the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella (at Sauber in 2004) starts in the first half of the session, while Fernando Alonso has to wait until the end of the session. However, when the Spaniard leaves the pits, the track is suddenly flooded! The Italian took the opportunity to hang around fifteen seconds on his teammate. 

The starting grid gives pride of place to surprises with the pole of “Fisico” and the Sauber of Jacques Villeneuve in fourth place ahead of the two new Red Bull by David Coulthard and Christian Klien. Kimi Räikkönen (Mclaren) only set the 10th time while Fernando Alonso started 13th. It's even worse for Michael Schumacher (Ferrari). As a sign of his difficult season, the “Kaiser” is only 18th. 

The weather is cloudy but the track has dried out for the race. Giancarlo Fisichella has no trouble isolating himself up front; Fernando Alonso honks behind Jacques Villeneuve. The Canadian will block the future double world champion for 18 laps! 

Once released, the Asturian increases his pace to get back into the top 5. The pit stops take place more quickly than in previous years, and for good reason; Mechanics don't change tires. Michelin and Bridgestone tires are obliged to hold all 58 loops of the GP, a rule which will disappear a year later.

Little in spirit, Michael Schumacher will pitifully abandon after a collision with his compatriot Nick Heidfeld (BMW-Williams). The second wave of pit stops will mark the end of overtaking, even if Fernando Alonso will put pressure on Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) until the end to gain second position.

On arrival, Giancarlo Fisichella recorded his second victory in F1, and could finally enjoy the champagne on the podium, almost two years after a Brazilian Grand Prix obtained on the green carpet following a timing imbroglio.

In his post-race column in AUTOhebdo (n°1), “Fisico” analyzed his Australian Sunday. “It was quiet. I was careful, I never attacked, never asked 100% from my tires or the engine. Except in the last laps when Barrichello tried to catch me. 

I increased the pace without the slightest problem, he understood that there was nothing to do. This is also where I had to set my best lap in the race. My worst problem was the two laps lost behind Villeneuve (!) who blocked me for I don't know what reason. »

His boss Flavio Briatore went to extremes. “But since I told you it’s his year!” Fisico was definitely the right choice for the team in 2005. Giancarlo is good with us, he's having fun. Before, he had the talent but not the car. Now he has both! »

Unfortunately, Giancarlo Fisichella will quickly cede his position as championship leader to his colleague Fernando Alonso. The Italian will console himself by making his contribution to the edifice of the Constructors coronation at the end of the season.