Alonso looks to move ahead of Hamilton in Japan

Sep 27, 2007, 10:19 GMT

Fuji, Japan - Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton continue their acrimonious battle for the Formula One drivers' championship this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji.

The relationship between the McLaren-Mercedes drivers has been deteriorating all season while Alonso hasn't talked to McLaren boss Ron Denis since the Hungarian Grand Prix in August.

To make matters worse, Ferrari have already secured their 15th constructors' title after McLaren lost all their points and were hit with a 100-million-dollar fine after the team's chief designer was found with Ferrari data.

Hamilton, in his debut F1 season, holds a two-point lead over Alonso going into the third-last race of the season, a situation Denis admitted in transcripts released to FIA that Alonso feels shouldn't have arisen.

'In Fernando's mind, there is the firm belief that our policy, whereby each driver receives equal treatment, does not properly reflect his status as world champion,' Dennis said.

'He bases this assertion on the fact that his experience and knowledge, and what came to him from his former team (Renault), is such that he should receive an advantage.'

At least Alonso now has the chance to do his talking on the updated Fuji International Speedway, where the Japanese GP returns to after 20 years at Suzuka.

'As this is a new track for all the teams, we are in the same position with regards knowledge of the track,' he said.

'It is going to be a challenge to find the optimum set-up for the cars as you have this really long, fast straight and then the rest of the track is much slower. To be honest, we will have to wait until after Friday free practice to tell you more, but I am looking forward to seeing what it is like.'

While Alonso has been in this position before, rookie Hamilton is probably feeling the pressure for the first time this season.

'I have to remain relaxed and calm,' said the 22-year-old Briton. 'I think for every race it's important for me to focus and just remember that it is my first year.'

Meanwhile, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen lurks in third place, 13 points behind Hamilton and 11 adrift of Alonso, hoping that the McLaren pair somehow contrive to throw away the title in the run-in.

Raikkonen kept his slim title hopes alive by leading home a Ferrari 1-2 with team-mate Felipe Massa at the Belgian GP earlier this month and knows another win in Fuji is essential.

'I'll face this race just like I faced the other ones before, which means that I want to win,' said the Finn.

'We're behind, so actually we don't have any other choice.'