Fisi to lead Renault team in 2007

(GMM) According to the latest rumor, Giancarlo Fisichella has been told that he will lead the Renault team into the 2007 season.

With champion Fernando Alonso to leave the Enstone based team at the end of the year – probably as a winner of two titles – Flavio Briatore apparently decided that maintaining as much continuity as possible is preferable.

So who'll be the 33-year-old Roman's new teammate? Test driver Heikki Kovalainen is undoubtedly in the hot-seat, but paddock speculation is adamant that 'Flav' is still in with a shout of capturing Michael Schumacher.

''I do not fear driving next to a seven time world champion with equal equipment,'' Fisichella told La Gazzetta dello Sport, ''but I must admit that I would cooperate very gladly with Kovalainen.''