Fisichella confident he can win the title

The Italian struggled as Alonso's teammate, winning two Grands Prix while Alonso clinched two world titles and 14 race victory. And Renault have warned Fisichella that next year is his 'make-or-break' season.

Team chief Flavio Briatore stated that "Fisico has the talent and everything else to do it. If he doesn't step on it this year, we'll make him do it."

Technical director Bob Bell added: "If he doesn't find it this year, then I doubt if he ever will. This, I think, really is a make-or-break year for Fisi."

But Fisichella moved to alleviate doubts in his ability, telling a crowd at the Bologna motor show that he has every intention to clinch both drivers' and constructors' championships with Renault next year.

"I am very confident," the Italian stated, "and I'll do everything possible to imitate Alonso by making Renault win their third consecutive world championship. Both drivers' and constructors', obviously!"

But he warned the fans to expect the French team to initially struggle with the switch to Bridgestone tyres, while rivals Ferrari enjoy an advantage due to their familiarity with the Japanese rubber.

"We ran into some difficulties when testing with the new Bridgestone tyres, because we had to change the balancing of the car," Fisichella said.

"Ferrari will surely have an advantage at the beginning, because they already know what set-up changes to make, while we have to start over from zero."