An Italian top-level driver, at the age of 8 he began racing in go-karts. In 2002, he won the
"Astra and Autosprint are looking for drivers" selection and began competing in the Mazda MX-5 Cup, achieving one win and two podiums.
In 2003 and 2004 he participates in the
Italian Formula Renault championship, finishing both years in third place.
He then switched to F3000, winning
the Italian championship in 2005, racing for Fisichella Motor Sport. At the end of the year he tests a Minardi Formula 1 single-seater for the first time.