Alonso has enjoyed a successful start to the Formula One season

Renault have won both races so far this season with Alonso taking the overall lead after his victory in Malaysia.

"The team is definitely on a high at the moment so we will go there feeling very optimistic," he said.

"In terms of car performance, we have been the benchmark so far, and I think this can continue in Bahrain."

Although Ferrari are rushing the F2005 model into use in Sakhir after disappointing results in the first two races of the season, both Alonso and team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella are confident the Renault car will remain competitive.

"So far, different teams have been our rivals at each race but to be honest, we will not be concentrating on the other teams," said Alonso.

Bahrain circuit: animated guide

"We know how we need to approach the weekend, and what areas we must focus on. If we do that well, then I am confident we will be running at the front again."

Fisichella said: "We at Renault have shown we are strongest so far this season."

The Italian won in Australia while Alonso followed suit in Malaysia.

Ferrari's seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher failed to finish in Australia and was only seventh in Malaysia.

Fisichella said his most dangerous opponent is Alonso - but also called him the "best team-mate I've ever had".

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"My relations with him are perfect, we joke around a lot," said Fisichella.

"Before Melbourne we said we were going there to win and we won. The same thing happened in Malaysia.

"Renault has shown it is superior. If the car is working well, it works well everywhere.

"Now the important thing will be developing the car, that's where we'll see if we can really fight for the world title."