Alonso not making predictions for Fuji

World champion Fernando Alonso is not making any predictions for the Japanese Grand Prix, which will take place in a track unknown by most drivers

The Fuji circuit will host the Japanese race for the first time since 1977 and all teams will arrive with no previous information about the track.

"To be honest, we will have to wait until after Friday free practice to tell you more, but I am looking forward to seeing what it is like," said Alonso in a team preview.

"We are not in any position to make any predictions, but I am sure the championship will continue to swing between all four drivers," added the McLaren driver, who is two points behind teammate Lewis Hamilton with just three races remaining.

"Ferrari were strong at Spa, we were strong at Monza, everyone in the team is pushing hard to be strong at Fuji, Shanghai and Interlagos.

"We can still win races, and will be doing everything to make this happen in Japan," added the Spaniard, whose team dominated the Italian Grand Prix but were unable to match Ferrari in Belgium last weekend.

Hamilton admitted he was disappointed to find out he would not be racing at Suzuka this year.

"I have to say when I was first asked about my feelings of Fuji, I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn't be getting to race at Suzuka because everyone goes on about how great it is, but this season I have really enjoyed going to new tracks and learning them," Hamilton said.

"It provides a slightly different challenge so I am looking forward to it. Everyone will be in the same boat and it should be quite exciting.

"Everything is so close in the championship now, so we have to go out there in Fuji and get as many points as possible. It would be great to win."