Alonso predicts tight battle in China

Raikkonen was fastest in both practice sessions in Shanghai but Alonso, who was second fastest, is upbeat about the progress his team have made.

"A very close practice session, with no problems throughout," he said. "As usual we worked on our set-up in the morning and made some good progress there, and then in the afternoon we concentrated on the tyre comparison.

"It is good to be back in China as I like this circuit. I expect it should be a very interesting weekend with the top four cars being very competitive here."

Teammate Lewis Hamilton was fourth fastest and, still waiting to hear about whether or not the race stewards will take any action over his driving behind the safety car at the Japanese Grand Prix, he was equally confident.

"Both sessions went pretty smoothly, and I was able to get a good handle on this circuit, the sixth new one for me this year and completed the planned programme for today," said the Briton.

"It is a nice track, and the car felt good to drive. I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend where I expect that we have every chance for another strong result."