Fisi thrilled with 2nd pole

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella smiled with delight on Sunday morning after claiming the second pole position of his career.

He grabbed the prime starting spot after clocking the second quickest time in second qualifying for the season-opening Grand Prix at Albert Park. His previous pole came at the Austrian Grand Prix in 1998.

"Yes, it was with Benetton in 1998, and now it has changed to Renault and I am really happy to be the driver of that great team here today,"he said. "This has been another great day for me. I still did the fastest time of all the drivers, I think, and that is important.

"I think we have the right strategy for the race today so I am looking forward. I am just worried about the first corner but I am the leader so I hope it is going to be alright.

Fisichella said he was confident about his car and his prospects for the 58 laps race. "Honestly, the track was a bit green, but at the end it was faster than at the beginning. It was not too bad considering the fuel load, the car balance was good and it felt comfortable,"he said.

He actually ended up second fastest behind Australian Mark Webber in a Williams BMW. "My engineers told me I was the fastest on my in lap,"said Fisichella, who slowly nursed his car - and engine - back to the pits. "It is no worry for me."