Fernando Alonso has heaped praise on his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton, with whom he partnered at McLaren in 2007.
The Spaniard has singled out Hamilton as the driver to beat in 2012, believing it will be the McLaren man who, when it comes to November, will be leading the title race.
After qualifying in Monaco, in which he qualified fifth behind the British driver – but will start fourth and third respectively after both were promoted thanks to Michael Schumacher’s grid penalty, he said the following.
“In Monaco, traditionally, the first three drivers on the grid have a chance of winning,” the BBC quote him as saying.
“But we are looking further ahead. We are looking to November and it is Hamilton we want to be close to.”
Earlier in the weekend, he made a similar comment: “It is impossible to predict how the season will evolve, but I would hardly believe it will stay like this.
“Still, if I can tip one driver, I would pick him because he’s the only one who can make a difference even with a car that is not a winner.”
When Hamilton was told of the comments, he returned the favour.
“It is always a pleasure to have my former team-mate, a two-time world champion, who is regarded as one of the best drivers if not the best driver here, saying positive things about me.
“I feel very, very similar – once he has the car, which he has done in some of the races, he will be extremely quick and very difficult to beat.
“I’m sure Ferrari being the competitive team they are – and with the experience they have – will be very strong throughout the year. I think they are going to be competitive for the rest of the year.”
