Alonso hopeful diffuser ban will boost Ferrari's chances

The FIA has told teams that from this weekend's race at Silverstone they will not be allowed to use their blown diffusers when drivers are off the throttle.

This move will affect all teams to some extent, although what impact it has on the competitive order is impossible to predict.

However, Alonso feels that modifications made to his Ferrari should help his team benefit from the changes.

"We'll see who loses the most," explained the Spaniard. "We are all going to lose something. The ban is a surprise because we have been using it since the middle of last year, so it's a surprise it's banned in the middle of 2011. But we have to adapt.

"We are relatively optimistic that it will help us, or that we can make up for the loss of downforce with some changes to the suspension, and make it as stable under braking as before.

"At the same time, this race is one where we know we are going to suffer because of the characteristics of the circuit.

"It's a circuit that in the last two or three years it has been hard for Ferrari because of the fast corners. So we are approaching the grand prix with optimism but also we are realistic, knowing that this circuit will be better for our rivals."