Alonso expects Hamilton to stay focused

The double world champion told reporters at the European Grand Prix that he did not expect the 22-year-old British rookie, or his two Ferrari rivals, to buckle in the heat of battle.

However, the Spaniard, second overall and 12 points behind Hamilton after nine races, said that reliability and experience would still be decisive.

"I don't think anyone will suffer the pressure. I think all three are good enough to keep focused and do good races," declared the Spaniard, champion in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, at the European Grand Prix.

"But I learnt in the last two or three years that the season is very long and it is very difficult to finish all the races," Alonso added.

The McLaren pair are the only drivers to have scored points in every race. Hamilton has yet to step off the podium and was fastest in Friday's first free practice at a grey and overcast Nurburgring.

Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Brazilian Felipe Massa have each failed to finish one race.

However, Raikkonen, third in the standings and 18 points adrift of Hamilton, has won the last two races and the Finn is the only driver to have won three times this season. The other title contenders have won twice each.

"There are still the four drivers who fight for the championship," said Alonso. "All of them have opportunities and the one who has the best chance to win is Lewis, because he's first and leading by 12 points.

"The second who has the best chance is me, because I'm second now, and then there is Raikkonen and Massa. The positions are always important and the points advantage as well."

Alonso said he and Hamilton could both expect to suffer a retirement before the season was over but felt sure the championship would not be decided by luck.

"We can be lucky or unlucky in two or three races but... (over the season) luck is not a big factor. Normally the best one wins," said the Spaniard.

"So I'm not worried for that. I will try my best in the championship to win as many races as I can and until the last moment I will not give up."

Alonso said his early season problems, and difficulty adjusting to the Bridgestone tyres after Michelin's withdrawal, had been overcome.

"I feel 100 percent now I think with the car," he said.