Motor Sport: Giancarlo Fisichella has agreed a new contact to remain at world champions Renault 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 shock 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 per cent 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.