Giancarlo Fisichella began his Formula1 career with Minardi, before moving to Jordan in 1997. A tempestuous partnership with Ralf Schumacher saw a few off track excursions, before the bubbly Italian moved to Benetton in 1998 where he has consistently proved his worth.

Now in his fourth season with the Anglo-Italian team, Fisichella distinguished himself against team mate Alex Wurz during both 1999 and 2000, often out-qualifying and out-racing the Austrian.

He was responsible for 13 out of Benetton's 16 points in 1999, and 18 out the team's total of 20 constructors' points in 2000. He also managed three podium finishes last year: in Brazil, Canada and Monaco.

However, despite intially impressing new boss, Flavio Briatore, he began to lose focus as the season drew to a close, and earned a particularly negative comment from the Italian in the press after the US Grand Prix qualifying session, when he could only manage 15th place.

Two tangles at the first corner with Michael Schumacher in Austria and Germany also limited his ability to score points.

He must now prove himself against new recruit, Jenson Button, who impressed many an observer during his debut season with Williams in 2000.