Alonso Aware Of Schumacher Threat

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso has suggested that Michael Schumacher could be his biggest rival for the forthcoming season and insist that former Champion could pose the biggest threat for all drivers, despite struggling in the 2010 season.

The seven time World Champion finished ninth in his first season back since retiring in 2006 and Alonso feels the German will bounce back stronger next season, the Spaniard says he has already noticed a different Schumacher who is destined for success this time around.

However Alonso insists; "There will be five world champions on the track and the most dangerous champion for me is always Michael."

Alonso who is away with the Ferrari team on a Ski trip also added,

"Now in January if I have to choose one name I have to say Michael.

"He is seven-times champion. He has nothing to prove. He had a difficult season but he is still a champion.

"He is still super class and if the car is right he will be a contender."

Alonso is also aware that Redbull’s Sebastian Vettel and McLaren’s duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson button will be waiting in the wings to capitalise should any mistakes be made on the circuit.

"No doubt Sebastian will be a contender. He will have experience and will be calm in certain moments. He will drive better than last year and that makes him dangerous to us," Alonso explained.

"McLaren will also be one of the favourites."

Alonso is confident team-mate Felipe Massa will improve on the last seasons sixth place finish, he added; "Hopefully our car is better than the others and my toughest rival next year is Felipe,"

Michael Schumacher Wants Answers

Michael Schumacher has blamed Mercedes GP for a disappointing performance in his come back season. The German returned to the track after three years out of the sport.  Schumacher won seven World Titles before retiring in 2006, but failed to live up to expectations this season.

The 41 year old was surprised that team-mate Nico Rosberg, who ended the season in seventh place, had not suffered the same trouble with his car. Schumacher has since exchanged words behind closed doors with team owner, Ross Brawn and motorsport Chief Norbert Haug.

"I had no problems with Nico," he said in an interview with a German motorsport magazine.

"But I told Norbert and Ross that it was time to find explanations."

"The fastest driver is a reference for the other one," Schumacher went on to explain. "You see the data of how he drives, but it didn't work quite so well in the other car. Looking back, there were a few things (wrong) with my car.

"The exhaust got so hot that sometimes the underside of the car burnt or the F-Duct (a system to help the airflow) was triggered in parts of the track where it shouldn't have been.

"But I have not spoken publicly about them; I preferred to discuss it internally."