Pizzonia to GP2 for 2007
"We want to win the 2007 GP2 Championship," confirmed Giancarlo Fisichella "and we signed Pizzonia because we believe he's going to do it. Antonio has been incredibly fast with our GP2 car during winter testing, lapping Jerez in record time and confirming what we expected from such an experienced driver."
Pizzonia comes back to Europe after racing in the Champ Car World Series in the U.S. part-time in 2006 for Rocketsports. "I want to return to F1 as soon as I can, this is why I accepted the FMSI challenge. Our target is the same: to win the GP2 Championship. It is also a great chance to remind everyone in Formula One that Antonio is always fast and competitive."
Fisichella Motor Sport International also confirm Jason Tahinci, the young Turkish rookie who drove for the Italian team in 2006: "My task will be to score as many points as possible to help win the team prize. My life at FMSI is part of a long-term agreement which has to bring me to the top level in the next two years. For me 2007 will be another year of apprenticeship and I am pleased to have a teammate as competitive as Antonio."
"Antonio will run the series with an Italian license," confirmed team principal Paolo Coloni, "His origins and his passport allow us to race him as an Italian…"
11/07/06 Antonio Pizzonia has to make a decision soon between GP2 and Champ Car for 2007.
The Brazilian has been chasing a Champ Car ride for much of the season, but opted to try his hand at GP2 during the post-season tests at Paul Ricard and Jerez in an effort to resurrect his F1 career.
"Obviously, there is a possibility to race here for the next year," he confirmed of GP2, "That is one idea but, on the other hand, there is Champ Car, which is a totally different thing.
"I think the decision will be made soon, in the next week or ten days. Whatever I do, obviously I want to have a chance to win races and, hopefully, the championship. If I think GP2 is the place I can win the championship, then I will stay here, but, if I think that Champ Car with Rocketsports or another team is where I can win, then I'll look at that. There are a lot of different things to think about. If I go to America then, obviously, it will be for a long time and I will build my future there. If I stay here, then it will be to look for an opportunity in Formula One. I think it's going to be a difficult decision and, at the moment, I really don't know what I'm doing next year. Hopefully, I will make the best decision."