It was announced last week that 2003 Champion Thomas Biagi would be part of the Vitaphone Racing Team line-up for 2005.

Biagi only took part in one race in the 2004 season: Dubai, where he finished third in the GT category with the Care Racing Ferrari 550 Maranello. Due to race in Zhuhai, he had to pull out after damaging his hand in a karting accident.

So is he fit now? "I'm doing pretty well," the Italian said. "The test days were no problem, and I have done a simulation race, so I think I am fine physically. I have worked very hard over the winter to make sure I was in good shape, as my hand was very badly broken. Throughout the winter and the Christmas holidays, I spent three hours a day working on my fitness, with a physiotherapist. I am always optimistic, so I think this has made me stronger. I have worked really hard, but I have achieved my goal, so I am happy. After the rain, the sunshine!"

Thomas tried the Maserati for the first time in Monza. "It is definitely a very beautiful car. I am not as precise as I would like to be, as I have not yet done enough laps. It is a mid-engined car, and the balance is really good. You need to adopt a slightly different driving style. It looks nearly certain that I will drive with Fabio Babini this year. I think we will be the only all-Italian line-up in an Italian car. And once again, it is B & B, like in 2003 with Bobbi and Biagi, so I hope that will bring me good luck."
 

"So, is he pleased to be back? "I am really pleased and happy. The LMES was a very nice Championship, and it was good to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but I missed the FIA GT Championship a lot last year. I was very pleased that BMS Scuderia Italia gave me the opportunity to come back at the end of the season, although in the end it was just for one race. But now I'm here and I'm back, for a full season in what looks like being a very nice Championship."

And what about the Championship? "I don't like to have a high profile, but I will always try to work hard and to do my best. I know there will be a good challenge this year, with four Maseratis, the Corvette, Saleens, and the Ferrari cars, including the 575 which I know has had a lot of work over the winter.

"I am sure it is going to be a tough year.  I would like to thank Michael Bartels and Vitaphone, for giving me this chance, as well as Ferrari and Maserati for their help now and in the past, as well as Pirelli, who did some fantastic work in the Monza test sessions. I'm positive and very grateful to all these people".