Fisichella's only just getting started

MOTOR SPORT/Formula One: Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella yesterday insisted that his Brazilian Grand Prix win is not a one-off and he will aim for further podium positions for Jordan - starting with this weekend at San Marino. Justin Hynes reports from Imola

"I am confident for this weekend," he said. "I definitely hope to score some points. That's the target, but I'll be aiming to get on the podium. It is possible now."

Fisichella was confirmed as winner of a chaotic race at Interlagos after a time-keeping error was corrected at a meeting of the sport's governing body last Friday, and Fisichella admitted that the decision was a relief. "It has been a very strange week," said the Italian whose maiden win was scored at the 110th attempt. "It was very hard, especially last Friday when I was waiting for the FIA decision. I was quite confident that I was the winner, but I wasn't going to celebrate until I got the phone call.

"Then Eddie came on the phone and said: 'Giancarlo, you're the winner'. Then I called my father, my family, everybody! It's been 11 years since an Italian won a grand prix and I feel fantastic, especially coming here (to Imola) in front of my fans."

FIA president Max Mosley said the time-keeping error that had denied Fisichella the top step at Interlagos had been down to a failure to adhere to rules laid down in Formula One sporting regulations.

"The rules say the timekeeper will produce a timesheet and that he will sign it and it's his responsibility," Mosley said yesterday. "With the modern systems and electronics that's been allowed to slip. There was not a sheet of paper signed and delivered and absolute confusion followed."

The confusion was cleared last Friday, but Fisichella added that the decision was bittersweet and his inability to celebrate his maiden win, and Jordan's fourth, on the Interlagos podium still rankled.

"Was I angry? So-so. I am still disappointed not to have had the opportunity to celebrate on the Brazilian podium. Still, they're organising a presentation here tomorrow (Friday) so that's good. I'll be able to celebrate in front of my people, my fans, so that's okay."

Only Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, with a maiden win after 124 grands prix, had to wait longer for victory, and Fisichella yesterday admitted that his hopes of scoring a grand prix win had been damaged through long years of toil at uncompetitive teams.

"It had become quite difficult. I had been in Formula One for seven years and had come close many times, but it never happened. But on track, at least, in Brazil I was the winner and now it has been confirmed."

Fisichella's task this weekend at Imola is difficult. His Imola record does not make for illuminating reading with four DNFs from seven attempts. If there is heart to be taken it's in Fisichella's best result at the Italian circuit - a fourth-place finish in his first stint at Jordan in 1997.

Meanwhile, Jordan is expected to announce the identity of its new test driver next week.

The likeliest name to come out of the pack is that of Christian Albers, the Dutch driver currently racing in the German Touring Car series. Albers was, earlier this year, heavily tipped to partner Justin Wilson at Minardi, but was pipped at the last by fellow Dutchman Jos Verstappen, who is believed to have brought more money to cash-strapped Minardi.

Albers has now switched his finances towards Jordan and, although there are still believed to be sticking points in Albers financial backing, it is likely that the Dutchman will be contracted to test on Friday mornings for Jordan on race weekends.

A number of others are still being considered for the Friday testing role. Jordan insiders revealed little yesterday, though it's believed a veteran driver is in the running. Eddie Irvine - tipped recently for the job - is not believed to be among them.

With Jean Alesi being told to "keep his helmet ready" by Eddie Jordan at an awards ceremony earlier this year, could the dashing Frenchman be about to return to paddock?