Fisichella: Renault faster than BMW now

Renault, world champions for the past two years, have endured a difficult start to the year, failing to reach the podium in seven races.

BMW, in contrast, have enjoyed a strong start and lie in third place in the constructors' championship, 14 points ahead of Renault.

But the French squad have made progress since the first races, and Fisichella reckons they are already quicker than the German squad.

The Roman admits, however, that catching McLaren or Ferrari looks out of the question.

"Obviously for this weekend it (the goal) is again to get to the end of the race and to score points," said Fisichella on Thursday ahead of his team's home Grand Prix at Magny-Cours.

"We would like to fight for the podium because it is a very important Grand Prix for us, but I think McLaren and Ferrari are maybe a step forward, maybe two steps forward.

"But I think we are quicker than BMW. Or I hope. And for the rest of the season it is just to make progress as we have so far. I think for Budapest we will have a new front wing which is a good step forward.

"So, we just make progress in each race and get closer to McLaren, Ferrari and BMW."