Fisichella is confident his tyres will last in Malaysia

Drivers can use only one set of tyres for qualifying and the race, and the hot weather and abrasive track at Sepang will test them to their limit.

"The tyres will have to be durable under much tougher circumstances than in Melbourne," Fisichella said.

"Our car seems to manage tyres well. I am confident performance will be good."

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The performance of Michelin - which supplies Renault, McLaren, Williams and BAR - compared to Ferrari's partner Bridgestone will be watched with interest.

Fisichella said: "All we know is that Michelin have done a great job this winter and in the first race. The tyres in Melbourne were very consistent, and the performance was there."

We expect other teams like Ferrari and McLaren to be much stronger in Malaysia Giancarlo Fisichella

Fisichella cruised to victory in Melbourne after rain in qualifying left most of the front-runners in poor grid positions.

But the pace showed by his team-mate Fernando Alonso in climbing from 13th on the grid to third in the race underlined Renault's status as pre-season favourites.

"We had a great weekend in Australia, a quick car and some luck too," Fisichella said, "and the team did a great job in making sure we had no problems at all.

"We know the weather made the circumstances strange in Melbourne, so we expect other teams like Ferrari and McLaren to be much stronger in Malaysia.

"But we have a good package, so let's see what happens.

"The team is very optimistic, and I think we will expect to fight at the front again. But if bad weather does not play a part, I am sure the race will be a lot closer than in Australia.

Fisichella said he was looking forward to racing in Malaysia, which is one of the most challenging circuits on the F1 calendar.

Circuit guide: Malaysia

"Sepang is a circuit which shows if a car is good or not.

"The long, fast corners mean you need a very stable rear end, and a consistent car balance so that you know the car's reactions through the quick sections.

"There are some corners where the drivers can really make the difference as well."

Alonso added: "I love the track. There are lots of long, fast corners and it is a place where you really see the potential of the cars.

"In Melbourne, I think the difference between the best and the worst car is quite close, because all you have to do it brake for the slow corners, turn in and get back on the throttle.

"Sepang is very different, and there is a huge difference from the best to worst cars. I think we will see more of the potential of the R25 in Malaysia."