Being #1 just another challenge, says Fisi.

Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella has insisted that he is 'comfortable' with the pressure that will be on him in 2007 now that he will be considered the team leader, following Fernando Alonso's move to arch-rivals McLaren-Mercedes.

Speaking to British tabloid newspaper, The People, the Italian also added that he sees no reason why the new 2007 Renault - the R27, won't be as competitive as last year's model, which ensured the regie again won the manufacturers' and drivers' crowns.

"I am under pressure because I have to lead the team, but I am comfortable with pressure and I have lived with it all my life so for me it is just another challenge," he told the 'paper.

"The team is quite incredible and they have done a great job in 2005 and 2006 so I don't see why we should do badly in 2007."

Fisichella though will definitely need to up his game this season, as he only took one victory in '06 and scored 72 points in total. Alonso in contrast took his second drivers' title, seven wins and notched up 134 points - nearly more than double that of Fisi.

Furthermore with much expected of rookie Heikki Kovalainen, who has been promoted from testing to the second seat, Giancarlo will need a good start to the year, if he is not to lose the #1 tag.

"I start as the leader because I have more experience, but we will have the same equipment. Other than that only performances will tell," conceded Fisichella.

"Overall I think it's going to be much more even [this year - in terms of who wins the drivers' title] and I really think this year I can be up there."