Giancarlo started his F1 career with Minardi in 1996, where he completed eight races, yet due to financial woes with the team was dropped in favour of the financial offerings of pay driver Giovanni Lavaggi. However, his talent was spotted by Eddie Jordan who signed him in 1997 in a tenuous situation which saw the fiery Ralf Schumacher as his team mate. After his internship at Jordan, wherein he finished ahead of Ralf with an outstanding 8th in the championship, his services were secured by Benetton, where he remains today. In recent years he has done well with lesser equipment (particularly in Canada).  Now back at Jordan, he will still have to make due with a less than perfect car.  As every boy from Italy, Giancarlo has hopes of one day driving the scarlet Ferrari, and since he is considered one of the top drivers on the F1 grid, that event could happen.