Fisichella not expecting Renault wins

The Italian has left the French car manufacturer to race for Force India and, although well aware of Alonso's speed having been his teammate in 2005 and 2006, he thinks even his input may not be enough to make Renault victors again this season after their troubled campaign last year.

"It was such a difficult and frustrating season," said Fisichella, in an interview with this week's Autosport magazine.

"At the start of last year, I was confident we would be able to fight for the championship - but the car just wasn't as quick as it was in 2005 and 2006.

"Even with Fernando going back there - now Fernando is a great driver, it's what he does best, but he still needs a good car, and I don't know if Renault is ready to win again yet. I'm a little pessimistic about their chances."

Fisichella himself is also unlikely to be challenging for wins this season, with Force India bidding to move off the back of the grid, but he is adamant he has done the right thing in signing for them.

"I still love Formula One," he explained. "I absolutely love driving and I love the sport...another reason I wanted to stay in F1 is because Force India looks like a very promising programme. I want to be part of that from the start and I want to grow up with this team."