Fisichella 'Unlucky' with Conditions

In almost repeat circumstances to what happened in the season opening Australian Grand Prix, Fisichella hit the track for his qualifying lap just as the rain came down - meaning he was the last man able to put in a competitive effort.

But after topping the morning free practice session, Fisichella said he was actually disappointed not to have missed the rain completely because he felt his car was good enough for pole.

"It is true I have been lucky but unlucky because when I was out for my qualifying lap it started raining quite heavily in the last part of the circuit," he said.

"I was really confident because this morning after the second free practice I was the quickest and the car balance was really good, so I was confident to do well.

"Considering the last part of the circuit was a bit too wet for the intermediate tyres I am really happy for today and looking forward to tomorrow."

Although World Champion Alonso will be starting near the back of the grid, Fisichella believes that the fact that McLaren duo Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen are also down there could prove crucial in Renault's fight for the Constructors' Championship.

"We have the two McLarens on the back of the grid, which is good for us and for the constructors' championship. It is going to be an interesting race."