Fernando Alonso plays down podium chances in home grand prix
Ferrari driver is identified by front runners Mercedes as their main threat this weekend, but Spaniard is not getting his hopes too high
Formula One leaders Mercedes singled out Ferrari as their main championship challengers, but Fernando Alonso was quick to play down his chances of a top three finish at his home Spanish Grand Prix.
Alonso has not won since he triumphed in front of his home fans at the Circuit de Catalunya last year and Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg remain the overwhelming favourites for tomorrow's race.
Mercedes have won all four races so far but Alonso's third place in China last month indicated Ferrari had taken a step in the right direction - an improvement recognised by Mercedes motor sport head Toto Wolff.
If I tell you I will fight for the podium, probably I will lie to you and I don't want to
"I think it will be Ferrari," the Austrian said when asked who would be his team's main title rivals.
"They are the only other team to have everything, car and powertrain, in-house. And I reckon Alonso to be a real race monster who can achieve everything."
Alonso refused to go along with it. "If they count on us for the championship fight it's good news because they respect us," he said.
"But we need to deliver if we want to become really a threat. We are working on that.
