Giancarlo Fisichella has agreed a new contact to remain at the world championship-winning Renault team, at Enstone, beyond this season.

The Italian's two-year deal with Renault was due to expire at the end of this season, but he has penned a one-season extension.

Fisichella's seat had been under threat before Fernando Alonso's decision to leave for McLaren for 2007, which left Renault in need of an experienced racer to ensure stability.

Fisichella, who has won twice for Renault in his two seasons since rejoining the team for 2005, was relieved to have his future confirmed before the halfway point in the season.

Speculation had linked the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Webber to his drive but team boss Flavio Briatore has opted to keep faith with a known quantity.

"It was very important for me to know my future as soon as possible in the season," said Fisichella.

"I am delighted to be staying at Renault next year, and to have the opportunity to see my hard work with the team over the past two seasons come to fruition."

Fisichella now wants to reward Renault's trust with a decisive supporting role in their constructors' championship defence.

He added: "I want to thank Renault for the trust they have placed in me. This clear vision for the future means I can focus 100% on the job at hand retaining the constructors' championship with Renault in 2006 and finishing as high as possible in the drivers' standings."

Briatore now has one confirmed driver for next season and he is tipped to add protege Heikki Kovalainen to his line-up before too long.

The Finnish test driver has been promised a race seat in Formula One by manager Briatore and with the Italian backing Fisichella to challenge for titles next year, he could step up with Renault.

Briatore said: "We are extremely pleased to continue working with Giancarlo next year.

"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.

"What's more, his experience with the team over two championship campaigns will be an invaluable asset. We will have ambitious targets for next season, and Giancarlo is capable of achieving them."

Fisichella made his debut for Minardi in 1996, before a year at Jordan and four with Benetton, who have since been renamed Renault.

He won his first grand prix at the wheel of a Jordan in Brazil 2003 but moved on to Sauber for a season prior to his Renault return.