Alonso: I have nothing against Hamilton

The Spaniard endured a turbulent season with McLaren last year, cutting short his contract with the team at the end of the season so he could return to Renault.

Having been widely quoted in recent weeks as saying he would rather see Massa win the championship over Hamilton, Alonso has made it clear on the eve of the title showdown in Brazil why he has such feelings.

When asked why it appeared matters were so personal with Hamilton, Alonso said: "No, they are not with him. I told many times that I have great respect to Lewis and we speak together.

"Last year was the same thing. We were in the drivers' room, we speak together and we had no problems. But I think I will always prefer any team other than McLaren to win."

Alonso thinks there is little doubt that Hamilton will achieve the fifth place he needs in Brazil to be able to win the championship.

"Lewis is the clear favourite. He is seven points ahead and here, if he finishes the race, it will be enough to win the championship. In the top five (is easy because) he is quick enough to win the championship. So Lewis is going to win."

And Alonso has played down any fears of the title battle being overshadowed by Hamilton or Massa suffering an incident at the hands of their rivals.

"I think nothing will happen, or hopefully nothing will happen," explained Alonso. "I don't see any possibility of someone crashing with Felipe or crashing with Lewis.

"The race will be very, very clean, I hope. And theoretically they will finish both in the podium - this is a normal situation and a normal race."