Fisichella, Alonso Getting Same Equipment

The Italian driver, winner of the season-opening race in Australia, has been hit by several problems after his flawless victory in Melbourne.
 
Fisichella suffered three consecutive retirements in Malaysia, Bahrain and San Marino before he returned to the points in Spain last weekend.

Fisichella looked set to score a podium finish at the Barcelona race until he was again hit by trouble and was forced to complete an unscheduled pitstop to replace his front wing.

In contrast, teammate Alonso leads the Championship after five podiums in as many Grands Prix, with wins in all the races where Fisichella retired.

The Roman, however, has insisted both men are getting the same equipment.

"I want to stress, as I did when the TV reporters asked me the same question, that the team is doing the maximum to give the best possible cars to both Fernando and I," said Fisichella, fifth in Spain.

"Everyone supports me and no one wants my car to break.

"Unfortunately the problems have been concentrated on my car, but that's just bad luck. It's not anyone's fault, it's just bad luck."

Team boss Flavio Briatore also dismissed the suggestions that Renault are giving their drivers different equipment, saying it's easier for the team to make two identical cars.

"You know, it's much more difficult to make two different cars than to make two identical cars," Briatore said.

"No team makes different cars for its drivers, because it's impossible. Giancarlo was not fortunate because he had a problem with his car, but he showed he can do great things."