Despite expectations that the introduction of the F2005 will restore Ferrari to the front of the grand prix pack in Bahrain, Giancarlo Fisichella says that Renault is more than capable of meeting the Scuderia’s challenge this weekend.

Despite expectations that the introduction of the F2005 will restore Ferrari to the front of the grand prix pack in Bahrain, Australian Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella says that Renault is more than capable of meeting the Scuderia’s challenge this weekend.


“If Ferrari has decided to go with their new car in Bahrain, it means they are convinced they can win. But we at Renault have shown we are the strongest,” the Italian said. “(My biggest opponent) is still Fernando (Alonso, his team-mate). I’m going to Bahrain to try to win. So will he”.


“Before Melbourne we wanted to win and we won. The same happened in Malaysia. Renault has shown its superiority. If the car is working well, it works well everywhere,” he added.


“There are more developments coming," Fisichella warned. "The R25 is well balanced, easy to drive and looks after its tyres well. I am sure those factors will help us to be competitive in Bahrain too."


However, “we are not under-estimating our competitors - we will have a fight on our hands. The R25 has good traction and braking and the straight-line speeds have been competitive at the first two races".


Alonso, in turn, was unsure which team would be strongest at Sakhir, a circuit at which Renault did not perform well last year.


“In terms of car performance, we have been the benchmark at the first two circuits, and I think this can continue in Bahrain even though we were not very strong there last year,” the Spaniard said.


“Thus far this season, different teams have been our rivals at each race. I still think McLaren are very strong, and Ferrari will have their new car by then, but we will not be concentrating on the other teams. We know how we need to approach the weekend, and what areas we must focus on. If we do that well, then I am confident we will be running at the front again," the Malaysian Grand Prix winner said.

Original article from Car