“The car looks good and the target for me is to win my first race in Formula One and be really competitive,” said the Jordan racer, who is widely-regarded as one of the best of the current crop of drivers even though he has not won a race in 107 attempts.

“If the Jordan is very competitive this year then I have one more year with Jordan. But obviously if I have the opportunity to drive for one of the best teams like Ferrari, McLaren or Williams then it would be a good chance.”

Former commentator Murray Walker said when presenting the award to Fisichella: “Giancarlo is one of the top three and I would say even top two drivers these days.”

There was an award for Schumacher as the German was named best driver for the third year in a row after he romped to the title with Ferrari last season winning a record 11 races.

Schumacher’s so-called ’Bernie’ trophy – a golden statuette of F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone – was collected on his behalf by former rival Damon Hill.

“I feel that I finally got something that Michael Schumacher got,” said Britain’s 1996 world beater.

Australian Mark Webber won the best newcomer of the year award following a maiden season which saw him finish fifth on his debut in his home race.

Melbourne’s Albert Park was named best circuit while Schumacher’s F-2002 car predictably took the best car award.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis was given the lifetime achievement award while Formula One race director Charlie Whiting was honoured for his outstanding contribution in 2002.

The Head and Neck (HANS) device, due to become compulsory in Formula One in 2003, won the safety award.