Alonso predicts four-team fight

The Spaniard kicked off his Ferrari career in perfect style with a triumph in the season opener, but he reckons that rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes will all be vying it out at the front of the grid in Melbourne.

Writing on his official blog, Alonso said: "The one-two win at Sakhir gave us confidence and was a great result for the hard work during the winter on the track and at the works, but we can't take anything for granted.

"We have to stay with our feet on the ground, keeping calm and staying concentrated: in Melbourne we're starting from square one. Nothing has changed for me: there are four teams and eight drivers who can fight for victory and we have to give it our all to stay ahead of everybody else."

Alonso has also added caution to the outspoken remarks about the state of F1 following the far from enthralling race in Bahrain. He has joined other leading figures in stating that the sport needs to think carefully before reacting.

"I think that many of us have given some hot-headed comments immediately after the race in Bahrain," he said. "It's true that the race at Sakhir wasn't especially spectacular - although for us Ferraris it was great and exciting - but it's too early to talk about changing the rules.

"We have to wait and see different races and check the situation, without being emotional. Something that confuses the fans is changing the rules all the time."

Alonso's comments about holding back before seeing if there is a need for change have been backed by his team boss Stefano Domenicali.

The Italian told the official Ferrari website: "It is much too early to jump to conclusions and we should not react in an emotional way.

"We must wait and see how the races evolve throughout the season and then the subject can be studied calmly, based on sufficient evidence."