Force India: 200-up for Fisichella

MONTE CARLO - Giancarlo Fisichella is hoping to celebrate joining Formula One's '200 club' this weekend by claiming Force India's first point.

Fisichella becomes only the ninth driver to reach the milestone, joining an elite group that includes Rubens Barrichello, Riccardo Patrese, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Gerhard Berger, Andrea de Cesaris, Nelson Piquet and Jean Alesi.



To mark the occasion at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, the veteran Italian will sport a new set of race overalls and helmet bearing a '200' logo.



Although the race will undoubtedly be a special one for the 35- year-old, it is up to himself and the team to provide icing on the cake.



"Monaco will be my 200th race start, and it feels a long way away from my debut that's for sure," reflected Fisichella, who began his career with Minardi in Australia 12 years ago.



"I still feel as good and confident as I did back then, and there is definitely a feeling of satisfaction to reach a milestone that only a handful of other drivers have achieved.



"Even more satisfying is to know I have a lot more to give and I am still motivated to do well, although Rubens' record of 257 starts will be hard to beat.



"But to celebrate this at Monaco is fantastic as it's the best track in the world, one of my favourites.



"It's certainly the best place for a celebration - I have to hope we can celebrate a good result on Sunday too.



"Last year was particularly good as I came home fourth (with Renault) when no-one was expecting it.



"Realistically, this year we can't hope for fourth, but one point is my target - anything on top of that is a bonus.



"Although we have a new aero package that will help us, the whole race is a lottery, so you've got to be lucky too."



After Force India's back-of-the-grid performance in Turkey 10 days ago, it is hard to imagine the team breaking their duck around the streets of Monte Carlo.



Ever the optimist, though, team co-owner Vijay Mallya is convinced Force India are on the verge of a breakthrough.



"We intend to put on a good show in Monaco," asserted the Indian billionaire.



"Turkey might have seemed disappointing from the outside, but I did not leave the track feeling down at heart.



"We were certainly no further back from the opposition than we have been in previous races. In fact, compared to the fastest time of the weekend, we were the closest we have been all year.



"Our position is now just a measure of how competitive F1 is this year, with no inefficient teams, just 10 professional ones.



"Monaco is a real driver's track and I have every confidence in both my drivers here - just look at their track records.



"Giancarlo, who reaches a great career milestone this weekend, has achieved some fantastic results here against expectations.



"While Adrian (Sutil) posted the fastest time in practice on Saturday morning last year - that tells a story of its own."



That, though, was derived from bizarre circumstances as Sutil's time came as the rain had eased at the end of the hour-long session.