Fisichella: Renault to fight back in Sepang

The French squad, world champions for the past two seasons, failed to match their main rivals at the season-opening race in Australia, with Fisichella coming home in fifth position, over a minute behind the race winner, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Fisichella's teammate Heikki Kovalainen endured a torrid maiden Grand Prix, finishing in tenth place after a series of mistakes.

And although Fisichella admits that Ferrari are a step ahead of their rivals, the Roman reckons Renault will be able to match McLaren and BMW in Sepang next month.

"I do not think we are the fourth power on the grid, we are the world champions," Fisichella told the official Formula One website.

"For sure Ferrari are one step ahead, but I would be very surprised if Renault did not come back to challenge McLaren and BMW for the next race in Malaysia."

McLaren's world champion Fernando Alonso and Briton Lewis Hamilton completed the Melbourne podium, with BMW's Nick Heidfeld in fourth place.

Fisichella admitted the main problem Renault are facing is a lack of grip with the Bridgestone tyres, with which the team have been struggling since switching from Michelin.

"We lack grip, or at least did in Melbourne," Fisichella added. "So aerodynamics is the main area where we need to improve."

Most teams will be testing at the Sepang circuit next week, ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix on 8th April.