Giancarlo Fisichella could have been forgiven for wanting to take a long walk off a short pier at the start of this season.

He had been forced out of Renault, which began the season challenging McLaren, and had shipped up at Jordan, who were fighting for their survival.

It is to his credit, then, that he knuckled down, did not let his disappointment get the better of him, and continued to prove that he is one of the fastest drivers around.

Fisichella has ability in spades. He is quick, smooth and stylish – as well as being one of the few Grand Prix drivers who shines in wet conditions, which is always a good sign.

He put in the odd very good performance – particularly his drive into fifth place in Canada – but for the most part Jordan wasted his talent.

It was a year to be got through, and Fisichella can only hope that equipped with a Cosworth engine and a new car, 2003 will give him a real chance to prove once more that he deserves a ride with a top team.