Fisichella hopeful for Bahrain

[davewilson]

Giancarlo Fisichella is hopeful Renault can enjoy a slightly better weekend in Bahrain after a positive winter test session at the Sakhir circuit. Thus far this season the team has struggled to come close to the leading pace without the services of Fernando Alonso.

"It's definitely one of the toughest races of the season, primarily because of the very hot conditions that we have to drive in," Fisichella said. "I think it will be tough race for us, but we will be aiming to do our maximum. We are realistic enough to know we have a long way to go to catch the leaders, but everybody is very motivated to do it."

On his performance at the Malaysian Grand Prix he added, "I am proud of how I raced in Sepang. I made a good start, was aggressive on the opening lap to make up places, and took sixth at the finish. It's not many points, but they will all be important for us this year. Given our circumstances, it's a satisfying result, and encouraging for this weekend in Sakhir. It is a circuit Renault knows well, we won the last two races here, and we spent two weeks testing here in the winter. Hopefully we can make some more progress compared to Malaysia."