Ecclestone tips Kimi for title

Speaking ahead of this year's season-opening grand prix in Melbourne on March 7, Ecclestone believes that McLaren's young Finnish star can make the grade this season.

"I would put my money on Kimi to be the champion," said Ecclestone. "There's Michael, who is always there - obviously. Montoya, probably if he sort of quietens down a little bit. Obviously he is going to be a contender and could also win the championship.

"Alonso is the same. There's a lot of guys out there that you would be surprised what will happen with the right circumstances. Depends what their cars [do] - I've never been a Button supporter, to be honest with you, but it looks like he's doing a good job now."

Ecclestone has also tipped Renault as a team that will continue to improve in the grand prix pecking order, although he says it's impossible to form any real conclusions from winter testing times.

"Renault does a good job," he said. "Most of the guys that are winter testing are going to win the world championship, according to their team. So it's very difficult to really know and to judge. I believe that Michelin [tyres] have got an advantage over Bridgestone at the moment, so that will weigh heavily obviously on Ferrari."