Wednesday 20 August at 10:18 : Giancarlo Fisichella admits that his first season with the back-of-the-grid Force India team has not given a full rejoinder to those who believe he never delivered as a top formula one driver.

At the age of 35 and with more than 200 grands prix on the tally, the Italian is an established name and a multiple race winner.

But his tenure at Renault between 2005 and 2007, most notably when his teammate Fernando Alonso won two drivers' titles, raised new questions about his ultimate level of competitiveness, and led to his need to accept a seat at the very rear of the pack in 2008.

Fisichella admits that, despite performing well alongside young teammate Adrian Sutil this year, his critics have not yet needed to eat their words.

"Not yet, no," he conceded in interview with the Dutch magazine Formule 1 Race Report.

"Look, obviously I am convinced that they are wrong, but I am not yet really able to show it," the Roman explained.

Fisichella added: "The car is simply not fast enough. That makes it difficult. I cannot do much more than I am already doing."

He is likely to have done enough to stay at Force India in 2009, but Fisichella is still seeking a good result from the remaining seven races of this season.

"With a spot in the points, I would be very satisfied," Fisichella insists.

He admits that, with approaching 300 career points and 18 podiums behind him, consistently finishing near the back of the pack can make full motivation difficult.

"Of course it is difficult to race at the back. That's just a mental thing. But I accept that it is the way it is for me right now.

"I still love formula one and I hope I get the chance to be around for some more seasons. That is my priority," Fisichella said.