Fisichella to Renault, Not Williams
Written by Josh Katinger · July 27, 2004
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella’s manager has announced that he has a two year agreement to drive for Renault starting in 2005. Many had expected Giancarlo to go to Williams and partner Mark Webber in 2005.
BBC: Fisichella to join Renault
I wonder if this move away from Sauber (unofficial test team for Ferrari) means that Giancarlo has given up on his dream of driving a red car. Or maybe this is all part of the plan. With Michael not looking set to retire for another couple of years Giancarlo needs to get with a team that can make him a repeat winner, or that very least a regular podium visitor in order to impress Maranello. Renault has proven to have the ability to give him that more so that Williams as of late.
In any case, this deal leaves Williams painted into a corner. And by “a corner” I mean Nick Heidfeld. He appears to be their main option at this point, aside from their test drivers Gene and Pizzonia, neither of whom have show much promise while filling in for the injured Ralf Schumacher.
Guardian.co.uk: Renault fend off Williams to sign Fisichella
PlanetF1.com: ‘Losing Fisi Hurts Williams’
An anonymous “source:”
“Williams look as though they have misjudged things badly. Instead of getting on and closing a deal with Fisichella, they have been dithering around wondering whether they might try Mika Hakkinen or Jacques Villeneuve when in fact they needed to move quickly. They’re now in the position where they’ve got a limited choice available to them.”
Don’t look back Sir Frank, you can never look back. Jacques can’t help you now!
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Josh, you were right about Renault getting first crack at the most desirable free agent.
Is Williams still impressed with Scott Dixon, considering the poor season he is having?
Nope, Scott has been ruled out by Williams…for one reason or another (probably the lack of ability to go fast right out of the box) they were not impressed with him and he has re-upped his IRL contract with Ganassi.