MONACO, May 21, 2008 (AFP) - Veteran Italian Giancarlo Fisichella will start his 200th Formula One race on Sunday aiming for a point in the Monaco Grand Prix.

The popular Roman, now racing for the Force India team after a 12-year career including a long spell with Renault, admits it is a tough proposition, but believes he can do it.

"This team has never won a point - Force India that is - so I aim to deliver that on Sunday. And Monaco will be my 200th race start," he said.

"One point is my target, everything else that comes on top of that is a bonus. It´s certainly the best place for a celebration. I have to hope that we can celebrate a good result on Sunday too!"

When Fisichella lines up on the grid Sunday afternoon in the Mediterranean principality, he will become the ninth driver in Formula One history to reach the 200-race total.

He said that while he is satisfied in one way to reach such a milestone, he will be more delighted if he can score a point for his new team.

"I do not feel old at all and I feel I still have a lot to give," said Fisichella, 35.

"I can give more to this team, too."

He said he has reservations about his ability to overhaul the new record of 257 starts set at the last race by Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.

"Rubens´s record of 257 starts will be hard to beat, but there is definitely a feeling of satisfaction to reach this milestone that only a handful of other drivers have got to," he explained.

"Even more satisfying is to know that I have a lot more to give and am still motivated to do well."

His hopes of a point may be encouraged by the Monaco habit of allowing unexpected underdog teams to shine.

Force India´s technical chief Mike Gascoyne is positive about the team´s chances of doing just that.

He said: "I believe there will be some races where we will spring surprises and I think Monaco will be one of them. We just have to concentrate on doing our job and get two cars to the finish."

Force India was among the many teams experimenting with a Monaco set-up at last week´s test at the Le Castellet circuit near Marseilles and Gascoyne was satisfied with the progress his team had made.

He added: "We have a new aero package that is designed specifically for this race. It includes updates to the wings, additional winglets and further modifications that will give more down-force.

"It has been tested and gave some good results."

Now it is up to Fisichella to deliver a performance and a result to celebrate.