Australian F1 Grand Prix

Giancarlo Fisichella controlled the race from the front, with the first round of pit-stops beginning on lap 18, with Jarno Trulli. Fisichella stopped in turn on lap 22, with Alonso three laps later. After this first wave of stops, the order was somewhat mixed up: David Coulthard was running second, while further back, Kimi Raikkonen overtook Michael Schumacher. However, the Finn's McLaren then lost a bargeboard and the German re-took the initiative.

Once again, Trulli opened the pit-stops when it came to the second window. It was lap 36. Giancarlo stopped on lap 42, with Button, Barrichello, Coulthard, Montoya and Michael Schumacher. However, the World Champion's race was soon over: a collision with Nick Heidfeld on lap 46 put an end to both men's races.

Fernando Alonso refuelled for the final time on lap 45. At this point, the standings had started to become clearer: Giancarlo led comfortably from Rubens Barrichello, Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Juan Pablo Montoya, Christian Klien, Raikkonen, Trulli, Massa, Button and Sato.

The podium order would not change again: the two Renault R25's crossed the line less than ten seconds apart. Fisichella took the second win of his career, while Alonso finished third. However, it was Fisichella's first chance to claim his win after the race; in Brazil in 2002, he was only awarded the win several days after the race. "This is definitely the best start to a season of my whole career..." he beamed.

Statements from Leading Drivers after the race:

Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault, Winner: "This was a fantastic weekend, and a great way to mark my debut with Renault! The R25 performed well throughout the whole race, and was consistent and easy to drive. That meant I could manage the gap to the cars behind, and look after the tyres, without being troubled. I think this race demonstrates the good potential of the team this season: the team is pushing hard on the development of the car, and that should mean we can build on this start later in the season. We are already very optimistic for the next race in Malaysia."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director Renault F1: "It's a fantastic result for the entire team and the Renault group. We have made a good car this year, and Fisico and Fernando knew exactly how to make use of it this afternoon: they both drove fantastic races. We must take the season race by race, and I think there is still room for us to improve further."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering Renault F1: "This afternoon's results are a tribute to the work of the entire team, here at the circuit and back at our bases in England and France. Fisico marked his return to the team in the best possible way with a victory, and I honestly thought Fernando would struggle to score points this afternoon: it's an amazing achievement to be on the podium. I said before the race that the new rules would force the drivers to demonstrate new skills, and it was pleasing to see both of them demonstrate a deep understanding of their requirements so quickly. We must also thank Michelin: we couldn't have asked for better tyres for today's race."

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