In an interview to the official Formula One website, the former Renault driver asserted Force India were not there just to make up numbers and said people should watch out in the second half of the season.

“I am looking for points — as many as I can get. Then we will work together with the technical people to gradually improve the car and I want to be their guiding force,” Fisichella said.

“Looking at everybody’s lap times now I believe we will not have a car that will be last anymore. But it is better to wait and see what happens in Melbourne,” he added.

“As for real improvement, I would realistically say that the second part of the season is when I expect that we will catch up. Watch us then,” said the driver, oozing confidence.

A winner of three F1 races, Fisichella clocked the fourth-fastest time at the Barcelona test earlier this month, much to the amusement of the outfit.

“I am happier now because we are doing a lot of important work with the 2007 chassis in preparation for the 2008 car. All this work is necessary and it resulted in a good lap time in Barcelona, especially as it was clocked on the first day when the track is normally slow,” he said.

“We have now found the best mechanical setup with the old aero package. We know how quick the car can be without the improvements,” added the Italian.

Fisichella also confirmed that he had shunned offers from Renault and BMW Sauber to be a test driver. “Yes. But honestly that was never an option for me. I want to race.”

Dwelling on his career, Fisichella felt joining Force India handed him a new challenge and he is determined to come emerge with flying colours. “For sure the general opinion was that I should have quit Formula One. On the contrary, I like challenges and I love the sport. I want to prove everyone wrong.

“The management of Force India is very focused and they know what they want,” he added.