Marc Gene has tipped Renault to cause an upset at the season-opening Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The French outfit have been trailing in the wake of Ferrari and McLaren - among others - during pre-season testing, but Gene is adamant that there is more to the squad's new R28 than its times suggest.

"I think we are going to have a good car but it remains to be seen where the others are. Of the rest, we will see what's happening with Fernando [Alonso] and if Renault are a surprise come the first race in Australia," Gene told Spanish daily newspaper, Marca.

"Although they have not been top in tests, they knew last April that their car was not working and turned [their attention] to 2008. Maybe we are seeing a wolf in sheep's clothing and Fernando will be back to the front."

Ferrari have asked Gene to attend all 18 races in the coming season, though the Frenchman's role within the Scuderia has changed somewhat with the FIA's attempts to curb the money spent on testing.

However, he is enjoying the current atmosphere within the Italian team, a relaxed mood brought about by Kimi Raikkonen's title success.

"After achieving the title [last year], the atmosphere is very good," he revealed. "There was some fear after Michael Schumacher and Ross Brown left, but we are all now very relaxed.

"Moreover, the environment has improved significantly compared to 2007 because we have already been champions and there is less pressure than last year."