Ferrari star says seven-times world champion the "most dangerous"
Fernando Alonso has said that he expects Michael Schumacher to be the "most dangerous" of all the world champions in 2011 - assuming Mercedes GP provide him with a good enough car.
The seven-times world champion disappointed mightily upon his return to the sport last year after three years in retirement, Schumacher ending the season just ninth in the drivers' championship with a best result of fourth place.
Alonso and Schumacher join fellow champions Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel on the grid this coming season - what will be only the second in history to feature five world champions.
However, speaking on Thursday at Ferrari's annual winter event in Italy, Alonso said that Schumacher, who turned 42 last week, was the driver whose progress he would be keeping the keenest eye on during pre-season testing.
"There will be five world champions on the track and the most dangerous champion for me is always Michael," the Spaniard said.
"Now, in January, if I have to choose one name I have to say Michael.
"He is a seven-time champion, he has nothing to prove. He had a difficult season (last year), but he is still a champion.
"He is still super class, and if the car is right he will be a contender."
Experience
Alonso is also hoping team-mate Felipe Massa will shine following a difficult 2010 for the Brazilian.
Massa's form tailed off during the second half of the season, notably in the wake of the team-orders controversy at the German Grand Prix when he was forced to cede victory to Alonso.
"Hopefully our car is better than the others and my toughest rival next year is Felipe," the double world champion said.
Even so, Alonso expects Vettel's title triumph at his own expense in Abu Dhabi - he came into last season's deciding race leading the championship but could only finish seventh while Vettel took victory - will make the Red Bull star even stronger this year.
"No doubt Sebastian will be a contender," confirmed Alonso.
"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."
The seven-times world champion disappointed mightily upon his return to the sport last year after three years in retirement, Schumacher ending the season just ninth in the drivers' championship with a best result of fourth place.
Alonso and Schumacher join fellow champions Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel on the grid this coming season - what will be only the second in history to feature five world champions.
However, speaking on Thursday at Ferrari's annual winter event in Italy, Alonso said that Schumacher, who turned 42 last week, was the driver whose progress he would be keeping the keenest eye on during pre-season testing.
"There will be five world champions on the track and the most dangerous champion for me is always Michael," the Spaniard said.
"Now, in January, if I have to choose one name I have to say Michael.
"He is a seven-time champion, he has nothing to prove. He had a difficult season (last year), but he is still a champion.
"He is still super class, and if the car is right he will be a contender."
Experience
Alonso is also hoping team-mate Felipe Massa will shine following a difficult 2010 for the Brazilian.
Massa's form tailed off during the second half of the season, notably in the wake of the team-orders controversy at the German Grand Prix when he was forced to cede victory to Alonso.
"Hopefully our car is better than the others and my toughest rival next year is Felipe," the double world champion said.
Even so, Alonso expects Vettel's title triumph at his own expense in Abu Dhabi - he came into last season's deciding race leading the championship but could only finish seventh while Vettel took victory - will make the Red Bull star even stronger this year.
"No doubt Sebastian will be a contender," confirmed Alonso.
"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."
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