Fisichella extends Renault deal

Fisichella has won two races for Renault in the last two seasons

Giancarlo Fisichella has agreed a new deal with Renault that will keep him at the team until the end of next year.

The Italian's current contract with the French outfit runs out at the end of this season but he has now penned a one-year extension.

"It was very important for me to know my future as soon as possible in the season," he said.

Team-mate and world champion Fernando Alonso has already announced that he will be leaving for McLaren next year.

Fisichella's future at Renault had been uncertain, with Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Webber all linked with his drive.

"I want to thank Renault for the trust they have placed in me," said the former Jordan and Sauber driver.

We will have ambitious targets for next season, and Giancarlo is capable of achieving them Renault boss Flavio Briatore

"This clear vision for the future means I can focus 100% on the job in hand - retaining the constructors' championship with Renault in 2006 and finishing as high as possible in the drivers' standings.

"I am delighted to be staying at Renault next year, and to have the opportunity to see my hard work with the team over the past two seasons come to fruition."

Fisichella made his debut for Minardi in 1996. After a year at Jordan, he moved to Benetton, which has since been renamed Renault.

He then switched to Sauber before rejoining Renault for the 2005 season.

The 33-year-old has two career wins for the team which came in Australia last year and Malaysia in March.

"We are extremely pleased to continue working with Giancarlo next year," said team boss Flavio Briatore.

"He was an integral part of our championship success last year; he has upped his game significantly for 2006, making the team even stronger - we believe he can do it again for 2007.

"It is important for Renault to maintain continuity as we move into next year, and Giancarlo's integration with the team is now perfect.

"What's more, his experience with the team over two championship campaigns will be an invaluable asset. We will have ambitious targets for next season, and Giancarlo is capable of achieving them."

Test driver Heikki Kovalainen is tipped to replace Alonso next year.