Fisichella upbeat for Monaco GP

On the back of his podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Fisichella sees no reason why he cannot repeat that sort of performance around the streets of Monte Carlo.

"I am sure the R26 will be quick there, yes," he said on Monday. "The last race in Barcelona was good for me: after some difficult times, I had a weekend without problems and got to the podium, so I was pleased with that.

"We know that the battle is very tough at the moment, and a lot will depend on the Michelin tyres this weekend. The test team worked hard to find the right choices last week at Paul Ricard, so I think we can be optimistic.

"I am very confident I can have a very good weekend in Monaco."

Fisichella believes that the handling characteristics of the R26 should play into his and Fernando Alonso's hands - because it will give them the confidence to take things to the limit in the vital qualifying session.

"You have to feel comfortable with everything. The R26 is a really easy car to drive - you can trust it when you are on the limit.

"As we build up the speed during the weekend, we will be getting closer and closer to the kerbs and the barriers, as we push to go flat out for qualifying. You need a car that is going to react how you want, and I think the Renault will do that."