Alonso welcomes rumours about rivals

Both Raikkonen and Schumacher have been surrounded by speculation about their future for months, the former being linked with a move to Ferrari if the latter decides to retire.

Alonso, who announced last year he was going to McLaren after 2006, said his early announcement has helped him avoid the kind of situation his rivals are in.

"For sure," said Alonso when asked if the rumours helped him. "Every week we have a new story about Kimi or Michael, if he retires or not, Kimi if he stays at McLaren or goes to Ferrari, or Montoya to Red Bull or whatever.

"It is just what I didn't want to happen to me in the first races of the championship," Alonso told reporters at Imola.

"I wanted to be concentrated, and the move to McLaren so early for sure has some disadvantage but for sure has some advantage. In my mind, to be relaxed, concentrate on 2006 to win and not answer every race questions about a new rumour in the paddock."

Schumacher has been recently linked with Alonso's seat for 2007, after the German's manager Willi Weber revealed Renault boss Flavio Briatore had shown interest in the former world champion.

Alonso, however, could not see Schumacher driving for Renault.

"For me it is  strange news and I laugh with that one," he said. "I laugh because for me it is impossible. Knowing the team, knowing the bosses of the team, knowing Flavio, it is impossible that Michael comes here.

"For the money, I think he will not come here," added the Spaniard, speaking about Schumacher's salary.