Former F1 driver sets sights on Bathurst 12 Hour drive

Ex-Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella says he would jump at the chance to suit up and take on the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour next year.

The 2005 Australian Grand Prix winner returned to the scene of the victory to contest the opening round of the Australian GT Championship for Maranello Motorsport at last weekend’s 2018 F1 season opener.

Fisichella, who recorded 229 F1 starts for Minardi, Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault, Force India and Ferrari, finished second and fourth in his two Australian GT races where he drove the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour winning Kaspersky-backed Ferrari 488 GT3.

The Italian factory Ferrari GT driver revealed at Albert Park that he wishes to hold talks with the 2014 and 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour winning squad regarding an outing next year.

“Absolutely,” Fisichella told Speedcafe.com, when asked about racing at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

“I think the circuit is amazing – it’s one of the best circuits in the world.

“I’ve never driven there, but watching on television, it’s just amazing. And Maranello Motorsport won the race last year, so it would be nice next year to be part of the race.

“It’s my dream [to race there], so let’s see what happens, I will talk with Mark (Coffey), the owner of Maranello Motorsport, and we’ll try to arrange it. Let’s see.”

Meanwhile, Fisichella enjoyed rekindling memories of his previous F1 visits to Melbourne at the weekend.

“I’ve got great memories of the circuit, of the city, and I really enjoy it when I come here. I like the food, I like the people, I like the atmosphere, so I’m really excited to be back this year, even if I’m not racing Formula 1,” he added.

Finally, on the topic of Formula 1, the 45-year-old Italian racing driver – who made his F1 debut at the 1996 Australian Grand Prix – says while the sport has gone through many changes since he stopped competing in 2009, it’s the sound of the modern cars he has most issue with.

“The only thing I would change in Formula 1 now is the sound of the engine,” he said.

“It’s not the same as a few years ago… The engine is completely different than when I drove, but I would like to listen to the old sound of the ‘real’ engine of Formula 1, you know?”