At 35, Giancarlo Fisichella —Force India F1’s lead driver—rubbishes the thought of being called a senior citizen holding onto the straws offered by a back marker team particularly when the grid for the forthcoming season is full of youth.

The veteran of 196 races calls F1 an “itch” which every driver finds hard to keep away from. “So be it any team, one steps into a cockpit to give their best,” he said.

He spoke freely to The Indian Express after the launch of Force India F1 drivers in Mumbai. Excerpts:

How would you explain your responsibility going by the immediate not-so-impressive past of the team?

Thanks to Vijay (Mallya) you have F1. I know what struggle means. I can only tell you it will be better and better. With you (India) pushing it, it will be great.

You were the last driver to win for Jordan—in Brazil in 2003. Is there a chance of a repeat this year?

As I’ve always maintained, a victory can come with any car, including one that has always begun from the back row. Brazil, I remember, was chaotic with wet conditions. A repeat... well I wish it could happen

Any personal targets?

To bring as many points as I can to the team and challenge all other cars in the field. I think there still seems to be a degree of underestimation on the team’s capabilities.

Vijay Mallya talks of the cars performing better in 2008 instead of being on the last row. Your comment?

... contd.