After declaring a 60 per cent chance of securing Fernando Alonso’s return to Renault in 2008, team boss Flavio Briatore gave a big hint about the occupant of the sister car.
To the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Briatore begins by praising the talents of Brazilian test driver Nelson Piquet Jr — and he didn’t even mention team veteran Giancarlo Fisichella.
“Nelsinho, let us not forget, fought to the very end with Hamilton in GP2 last year. He has an incredible potential; he could be a real surprise.
“Regarding (Heikki) Kovalainen, he had an undriveable car (in 2007) but so far he has done really well. We will see,” Briatore added.
With Finn Kovalainen believed bound for McLaren to fill Alonso’s vacated seat, it is understood that Fisichella’s hopes rest with the Spaniard deciding against returning to Renault — and an upcoming Force India test.
Fisichella, 34, is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport: “At the moment I don’t know anything.
“I want to be in formula one, that is for sure, so I have to carefully look around. I see some possibilities; there is Renault, there are other teams. I have not closed a deal with anyone yet,” he added.
When Fisichella was asked about his negotiations so far with Briatore, the Italian answered: “I have not talked to him.
“Right now there is nothing official.”
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