Renault can be champions again, says Alonso

LONDON, Mar 27 (Reuters) Renault's success in the first two races of the Formula One season has convinced Fernando Alonso they can defend the title.

''We know the car is competitive, it has won the first two races, and that gives me the conviction that we can be quick at the next 16 rounds too,'' the world champion said in a team preview for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

''It is a difficult feeling to explain, but having seen what the car can do, I don't have any doubts that we can win the championship again,'' added the 24-year-old Spaniard, winner of seven races last year.

''I am very optimistic after these opening rounds.'' Alonso won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix and finished second behind Italian team mate Giancarlo Fisichella, winner in Australia last year, in the second race in Malaysia.

Fisichella believes he can mount a serious challenge to Alonso, who is leaving Renault at the end of the season and moving to McLaren.

''In the winter, I said I wanted to go for the championship, and these races have shown that I have the chance to do well at every circuit, and to fight for the title,'' said the Roman.

''That is my dream, and my goal this year.

''I think Renault will be very competitive in Australia, and I am going for the win,'' added Fisichella. ''I want to arrive in Imola, one of my home races, with a very strong position in the championship.'' WORKING PROPERLY Australia is the last of the three long-haul races that open the season before the championship returns to Europe next month with the San Marino Grand Prix.

Team boss Flavio Briatore declared Renault to be the surprise team so far, despite starting the season as champions.

''All through the winter, we only heard reasons why we would not be on top,'' he said.

''And we have shown that we know how to work properly, to adapt to the rules and manage our season the right way. People didn't expect us to still be at the front, and we are.'' Briatore said he expected both his drivers to be challenging for the title, along with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.

''I think we can expect to see four drivers fighting for the championship,'' he said. ''Fernando, of course. Michael if the car is right. Kimi. And Fisichella. He is strong in the team this year, and we have already seen what he can do in Malaysia.'' REUTERS PM HT1607