Fisichella happy to back at the front.

Giancarlo Fisichella made the most of Renault's apparent superiority in wet weather conditions to record his first front row position since Canada in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Italian has been struggling in recent races in his bid to claim third place in this year's championship, but with Felipe Massa well down the field due to his engine change, Fisichella has an ideal opportunity to snatch back the initiative going into the final rounds of the season.

"The car has been quick all weekend, and I am really pleased to be on the front row with Fernando," he said. "This is a great result for me because I am in a good position to catch up Massa in the championship, and for the team it is the perfect starting point. The conditions were very tricky during the session, and I spun in the second session - so the pressure was on to get my lap done.

"After that, it was a question of repeating the performance in the third part, and making the most of the opportunity to qualifying at the front. I think we have a strong strategy, and good performance in all conditions. I am looking forward to a very competitive race.

Furthermore, beyond Fisichella's role to provide support to Alonso, as well as benefit his own championship hopes, his front row slot alongside Fernando Alonso is crucial in the constructors' standings after Renault lost their upper hand at Monza.

Indeed, Pat Symonds is determined to re-establish their once comfortable advantage and although the conditions certainly played into their hands, he is confident Renault will be quick regardless of the weather on race day.

"A qualifying performance such as this is always particularly satisfying, but with the championship so delicately poised, it is an extra bonus," Pat Symonds said. "Our grid positions give us the opportunity for a very good race tomorrow, but above all this weekend has shown that the Renault is very quick here, irrespective of weather conditions.

"This afternoon's session was particularly fraught, and the whole team is to be congratulated on a disciplined and faultless performance. Thanks are also due to our partners at Michelin."