LONDON, June 15 - Formula One world champions Renault extended Italian Giancarlo Fisichella's contract on Thursday, ensuring continuity after Fernando Alonso's departure to McLaren.

"We are extremely pleased to continue working with Giancarlo next year," said team boss and compatriot Flavio Briatore in a statement announcing Fisichella as the 'backbone' of Renault's 2007 challenge.

"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," added Briatore.

Alonso, the 24-year-old who last year became Formula One's youngest world champion, announced in December that he was leaving for his team's Mercedes-powered rivals.

The Spaniard has won five of the season's eight races so far and is running away with the championship, leading Ferrari's Michael Schumacher by 23 points.

Fisichella has won just once in 2006, in Malaysia, but next week's Canadian Grand Prix is one of his favourites. The Montreal circuit is also the last to witness a retirement by his team mate, in 2005.

Briatore said Fisichella's experience with the team over the last two years would be invaluable.

"We will have ambitious targets for next season, and Giancarlo is capable of achieving them," he said.

The second Renault seat remains to be decided but test driver Heikki Kovalainen is the favourite -- if the team cannot secure compatriot Kimi Raikkonen from McLaren.

Raikkonen has been linked strongly to Ferrari but Renault recently confirmed their long-term commitment to Formula One and said they were prepared to pay what it takes to get a driver of Alonso's calibre.

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