Fisichella optimistic of drivers' title

Fisichella arrived at Renault last year with high hopes, but after scoring victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, he endured a tough year and was eclipsed by his teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the drivers' title.

But the Roman is now optimistic things will go his way this season.

"It is simple for me: I am aiming for the World Championship," said Fisichella. "This is a team that is defending the world title and working hard to win it again, so I am looking forward to a great season. I want to score points, win races and be in the fight for the championship until the last races of the season.

"2005 was an interesting year for me, but it is in the past now. I needed a lot of determination at certain points, and there were some very good battles, some sweet moments and also some difficult times. I am now completely comfortable within the whole team.

"We work very well together, I think the reliability problems from last year have been resolved, so I am looking forward to a very strong year working together."

Despite Alonso's number one on his car, Fisichella claims they will both start the season on equal footing and the Italian is looking forward to their rivalry.

"The easy answer to that is no. Fernando had a fantastic season in 2005, and he did a great job. But everybody starts the championship on an equal footing. We are on the same level in the championship and in the team.

"From my point of view, it starts again from zero in Bahrain, and I hope we can have a good rivalry this year."