Fisichella admitted that Melbourne had been tough for a team more used to winning in the past, and suggested that he would be concentrating merely on improvements for this weekend, rather than dreaming of repeating his 2006 Malaysian GP win.
"Australia was a tough race for me," he confirmed, "We weren’t on the pace of the leaders, and I needed to be aggressive all the way through to maintain my position and stay ahead of Massa. We knew beforehand that we weren’t fast enough, but the first race gave us a clearer picture of where we stand - and showed us the areas we need to focus on.
"Our aim for the second race is to have a car that is totally reliable – and quicker than in Melbourne.
Renault has always performed well in Sepang, and I think the R27 will be okay there too. The team has been working hard since Australia, and I believe things are moving in the right direction, with new developments on the car. Step by step, we are hoping to make up ground on the leaders.
"Without a doubt, this is the toughest race of the season – not just physically, but mentally too. The high temperatures and humidity make things very tough for the drivers and the cars but, personally, there are very good memories too, from my win last year. I am prepared for the race this time round, having trained hard over the winter. I am in peak condition – and ready to go."
Kovalainen, too, has set his sights on a better showing, having banished Melbourne from memory.
"My weekend in Albert Park was one to forget, but it is in the past now," he stressed, "Since Melbourne, my complete focus has been on the race ahead – and performing to the level I know I can reach. I worked hard with the team during testing in Sepang to get comfortable with the car, and I have learned the circuit. I am determined to put Melbourne behind me, and drive a good race in Malaysia.
