McLaren boss Dennis plays down Alonso claim, says drivers equal

Jun 13, 2007, 12:36 GMT

London - McLaren boss Ron Dennis has denied suggestions British newcomer Lewis Hamilton is being favoured over world champion Fernando Alonso in the British-based Formula One team.

The Spanish driver told Spanish radio Tuesday that 'we knew all the support and help would go his way'.

But Dennis told the team's website both drivers 'have equal equipment, support and opportunity to win.'

Alonso had told Spain's Cadena Ser radio he had misgivings as soon as he joined McLaren Mercedes at the end of 2006 from Renault where he won two successive world titles.

'From the first moment, I wasn't completely comfortable. I am in an English team, with an English team-mate, who is doing brilliantly,' he said.

'We knew all the support and help would go his way. It is something I understand and I'm not complaining.'

Hamilton won his first Formula One race at Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix and has been on the podium in all six of his races, finishing second four times. He leads Alonso by eight points in the drivers' standings.

Dennis told McLaren.com: 'It's completely understandable that the results of each Grand Prix are going to provide both the British and the Spanish media with an opportunity to hang on every word that the drivers say - and sometimes quotes are taken out of context which can put a completely different spin on an innocent remark.'

Dennis said the McLaren Mercedes team 'is made up by extremely passionate and competitive people and there is a healthy competition between the teams working on each car - this is inevitable and there is no issue with that.'

But he added: 'However I can categorically state once again that both drivers have equal equipment, equal support and equal opportunity to win within the team and both Fernando and Lewis know and support this.

'Fernando's comments when read carefully are correct; he hasn't been with the team long and the relationship can only continue to develop. The team is not going to do anything to jeopardise this positive and growing partnership.'

Asked in his interview if he felt some of the mechanics in the team celebrated Hamilton's successes more than his, Alonso said: 'I have sensed it a little, but I understand it, it's an English team.'

However, Alonso said he was still confident of winning a third consecutive world title.

'I've won two races out of six and I've finished on the podium four times and I have those 40 points that will allow me to fight for the title in the end,'