Formula One news

Liuzzi: We really want points

Vitantonio Liuzzi is keen to register a top eight result in the final Grand Prix of the season as the curtain comes down in the race-hosting country closest to the Force India team's home nation. Having replaced compatriot Giancarlo Fisichella for the last five races of the year, Italian Liuzzi strives for a points finish.

With Fisichella having departed Force India for Ferrari, reserve driver Liuzzi joined the race team alongside Adrian Sutil from Italy onwards; whilst running in the points at Monza, however, he was struck by a transmission problem and the Locorotondo man is yet to score since he did so for Toro Rosso in the Chinese Grand Prix of 2007.

"Getting back into the car in race trim had always been my aim for 2010 and it came earlier than expected!" he laughed. "Of course, it wasn't the best way to go racing again but at least we know that Felipe (Massa, who Fisichella is subbing for) is okay now; it's been a big challenge to get back into the rhythm of driving, particularly at circuits I don't know, such as Singapore.

"I've also had a bit of bad luck, such as qualifying at Suzuka (gearbox problems) and Brazil, with the accident in Q2, but I've always pushed as hard as I could." With both Tonio and team-mate Adrian Sutil having each racked up over two race distances of mileage on the simulator, Liuzzi hopes for a strong end to the campaign.

"We really want points - it's important for the team and for myself," he continued. "We'll be giving 100 percent until the end in practice, qualifying and the race. The track seems very interesting and could suit the VJM02 very well, as there are a few long straights and a tricky middle section. It's also good to visit new venues, so I'm looking forward to this race."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage