On the eve of possibly his last grand prix for the team, Giancarlo Fisichella says he has been put “on stand by” by Renault.
Sunday’s Brazilian grand prix marks the end of the Italian veteran’s current contract, but team boss Flavio Briatore is waiting to hear Fernando Alonso’s plans for 2008 before committing to the next Renault race lineup.
Briatore has now stated more than once that if the Spaniard is free for 2008, “we would be happy to have him back”.
Fisichella, whose current teammate is the ever-impressive Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen, said on Tuesday: “I am on stand by, as requested from Renault.”
Amid quiet speculation that Sir Frank Williams might have rekindled his former interest in the 34-year-old Roman, Fisichella added that he hopes to learn more about his future “soon”.
He also admitted to frustration that his future may depend primarily on Alonso’s decision rather than his own.
“A little, because we have to wait to see what another driver does,” Fisichella said. “But the same happened with Michael (Schumacher) — so we will have to see.”
He ruled out voluntarily retiring.
“No way! I am as physically fit as a young boy — and I have the experience,” Fisichella said.
