Renault, Alonso, may be sandbagging

(GMM) Second Ferrari test driver Marc Gene has added his voice to suspicions that Renault has been sandbagging in winter tests.

The Spaniard explained to the sports daily Marca that, although countryman Fernando Alonso and the French team have not been standout performers with the R28, it is often misleading to rely on the pecking order of pre-season time sheets.

Gene, who will attend every grand prix this year for Ferrari, agrees that the Maranello built F2008 will arrive in Australia for the first race next month in very competitive form.

"Of the rest, we will see," the 33-year-old said, refusing to rule out that Alonso and Renault will be the "surprise" of the upcoming Albert Park event.

"Although they have not been the best in testing, they knew since April of last year that their car was not working well enough, and they started then working for 2008.

"It is possible that we are witnessing a wolf in sheep's clothing and that Fernando will be at the front again," Gene added.