Fisichella vindicated by Renault form

The French squad, world champions with Alonso in 2005 and 2006, endured a poor 2007 season and there were suggestions that it was related to Alonso's exit from the team.

Fisichella's contract was not renewed at the end of the season and the Italian moved to the Force India team.

But Renault have continued to struggle to match the top teams this season with Alonso, back after a year with McLaren.

The Spaniard finished fourth in Australia following a chaotic race, but could only be eighth in Malaysia and tenth in Bahrain.

Fisichella says he did better at the start of 2007.

"Everyone thought that Fernando (Alonso) was going to save the team and Renault spent a lot of time and money to give him a good car," Fisichella told the official Formula One website.

"In fact, in the first three races of 2007 I performed better with them than he has done so far this year."

The Italian admits he did not expect Renault to be so off the pace again.

"I'm a little surprised because Renault is a good team with very good people and good resources so I expect them to come back. But I hope not by too much."

Fisichella also reckons joining Force India was the right way to go following his exit from Renault.

"Actually I am very happy to be fighting with them as it shows that Force India's project is a very promising one and that I made a good decision to join the team."