Renault duo upbeat for Australia

"After these races, we know the car is competitive, it has won the first two races, and that gives me the conviction that we can be quick at the next sixteen rounds too," said Alonso, winner of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix and runner-up in Malaysia a week later.

"It is a difficult feeling to explain, but having seen what the car can do, I don't have any doubts that we can win the championship again. I am very optimistic after these opening rounds."

World champions Renault have started the season with two wins, thanks to Fisichella's victory in Malaysia, and they lead the championship by 13 points from Ferrari and McLaren.

Fisichella, last year's winner in Australia, is confident he can repeat the feat.

"We had a fantastic weekend in Malaysia, to get the pole and the race win, and to do it without any unusual circumstances like in Melbourne 2005," said Fisichella. "Even in Bahrain, the car felt very strong and taking into account the power loss, I was very competitive.

"And now we are in Melbourne. I have a great feeling here, I won last year, and I am hoping to do the same again.

I think the first two races have shown we have a good potential," he added. "In the winter, I said I wanted to go for the championship, and these races have shown that I have the chance to do well at every circuit, and to fight for the title.

"That is my dream, and my goal this year. The atmosphere within the team is fantastic, and I have a great relationship with Fernando. The feeling is very positive."