Alonso: Massa penalty won't change battle

Massa will have to drop 10 places on the grid for tomorrow's race in Shanghai after a problem was found with his engine after Friday free practice and it needed to be replaced.

Although it means Alonso is now clear to fight Michael Schumacher without interference at the front of the field, the Renault driver does not think that it changes his approach.

"In a way it helps because it is better to have one of the quick cars at the back, but personally I think for the drivers' championship it doesn't change much," he said.

"As long as I finish in front of Michael, for me it is enough. And that is what I am looking for. For the race itself, and for the constructors' championship, it is a help to us, though."

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn thinks the fight between his team and Renault is too close to call - and that tyres will be the most important factor.

"I think it will be tight, it has been back and forward and it will depend on how the tyres evolve during the weekend," he explained. "We have said that before and there is nothing to change that opinion.

"Renault are a strong competent team and I hope we are as well. It will depend how the tyres suit this track and suit this surface.

"The last three races will be like that. There will be a swing. The performance difference between the two teams is quite small, so it doesn't need a big performance swing between the two teams to be decisive on the weekend.

"It is too early to say at the moment where we are, because we need to see how the tyres settle in for Sunday."