Feb.9 (GMM) Giancarlo Fisichella has confirmed rumours that he turned down the chance to become a test driver for top teams in 2008.

Even though the Roman veteran is determined that Force India will not have the slowest car this season, many paddock observers believe Fisichella, 35, should have retired rather than fall to the back of the grid with one of F1's smallest teams.

"For sure the general opinion was that I should have quit formula one," Fisichella, who lost his works Renault seat to rookie Nelson Piquet Jr for this season, told F1's official website.

"On the contrary I like challenges and I love the sport and I want to prove everyone wrong," he added.

Fisichella admits that Renault wanted to keep him as a test driver this year, and that BMW Sauber was also keen to tap into his experience of nearly 200 grands prix.

"Yes," he confirmed. "But honestly that was never an option for me. I want to race."