Alonso cautious on Silverstone predictions

With Bridgestone's latest specification rubber having helped Michael Schumacher to a new unofficial testing lap record at Barcelona last week, Alonso is well aware that Michelin may have a fight on their hands this weekend.

"The Michelin tyres were very good when we tested in Silverstone a couple of months ago, and I am very confident that they will be strongest this weekend," said Alonso. "But we have to run, to wait and see the conditions, before we make too many predictions.

"At the last races, we have seen the balance of power shift between the first day of practice and the race itself, so we will have to see how the track evolves, and what the tyre performance is like on Sunday afternoon."

Despite being cautious about making predictions on the tyre front, Alonso is full of confidence about how well his R26 will suit Silverstone's high-speed turns.

"I am feeling very confident ahead of this race," he said. "We had a good test at Silverstone and we know that the characteristics of the circuit are good for the R26, so there is no reason to think we won't be fighting at the front.

"There is no point making big predictions, saying we will definitely win. Ferrari will be very strong, McLaren maybe as well if they can maintain their speed from Monaco. It will not be an easy weekend, but I certainly think we can be fighting for the win."

Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella is equally upbeat about his prospects for this weekend - claiming he is driving better now that he has done before in his career.

"I think it has been a good start to the season, and I am in a much stronger position than at the same time last year," he explained. "When I have a clean race, without problems, then I finish on the podium.

"And even when incidents like we had in Monaco mean I have to start down the field, I am driving aggressively and making up positions - I overtook five cars on the track in Monte Carlo! I am driving better than ever, and it is great to be arriving at Silverstone, one of my favourite circuits in the whole season."