Alonso Insists Schumacher Is Still a Title Favorite

Although many believe that Mercedes GP and Michael Schumacher are no longer holding the aces for a winning season this year, 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso begs to differ. In a recent interview with Germany's Sport Bild magazine, the Spaniard insisted that his former rival for the world title is just as dangerous as he was 4 years ago.

“He is still the Michael Schumacher that we know. I respect him in the same way I did three years ago and am sure that he will show his true qualities when the car is better. I really believe Michael will be a serious competitor for the title this year,” said Alonso, reckoning that he expects the best from the 41-year old German to come in the near future.

His comments come only a few days after most of the international media pointed out that Schumacher's teammate Nico Rosberg has beaten the former world champ every time this year. The 24-year old scored Mercedes' only podium this season, in Malaysia, while sitting 26 points ahead of Schumacher.

Alonso battled against Schumacher in back to back years – 2005 and 2006 – and beat him every time for the world title. However, the first thing the Spaniard did when coming to Maranello earlier this year was admit he can't repeat the German's performances with the Prancing Horse. He now reiterated those comments, insisting that the nowadays world of F1 makes it impossible for anybody to even think of surpassing Schu's 91-win and 7-title record.

“Because the rules are now so tight, there will be no one who is far superior to the others, as Ferrari was in the past. If you ask me, Michael's records are safe,” added Alonso, who is currently 2nd overall in the standings, 2 points behind teammate Felipe Massa.