Alonso Says Red Bull Are Favorites in Brazil, Abu Dhabi

Shortly after the Korean Grand Prix the other weekend, the media – mostly the ones in Spain – started speculating about a potential finish to this year's title fight in Brazil. Given the fact that 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso is 11 points clear of Mark Webber and almost a race win away ahead of 3rd placed Lewis Hamilton probably had a big influence.

Best case scenario for Alonso would be a win in Sao Paolo, corroborated with a potential DNF or no-point-finish from Red Bull's Webber. That would send the Spaniard more than 25 points clear of everyone with one race to go, and enjoy a free trip to Abu Dhabi.

Needless to say, the Ferrari-an dismissed such a prospect from the get go, but not without sending a few ironic massages to the media first.

“Yes, that's true – and if Red Bull miss their plane to Brazil, that's another way to be champion,” joked the Spanish driver in a recent interview with Italy's La Stampa newspaper.

Knowing that his win in Korea was the result of pure luck – or, should we say bad luck for Red Bull – Alonso expects Red Bull to continue to dominate the field in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, especially since these are RBR-friendly tracks where the Austrian team has won in 2009.

“In Korea I have only guaranteed to be fighting in Abu Dhabi in the last race of the season. The odds remain in favor of Red Bull,” he added.

“Red Bull showed us again in Korea that they are stronger than us, and that will be the same in Brazil and Abu Dhabi as well. So what we need is another small step forward to be competitive. We must be on the podium. If someone beats us now, congratulations – winning or losing will depend on who is faster, on reliability and on luck,” the 29-year old added for Spanish publication El Pais.