Q & A with Fernando Alonso

And although his one second advantage at the head of the field on the first day of this week's major test probably owed much to the track knowledge McLaren had gained in running at the circuit the week before, his continued swift pace points to encouraging times ahead for the Spaniard.

Autosport.com caught up with Alonso after the second day of testing to get his feelings on the new MP4-22.

Q. How do you see the other teams here?

Fernando Alonso: It is only a pre-season test in order to make the car better. All is going well so far, but with such changeable weather we are at a loss when to go out. We have not been lucky.

Q. But you did quite a good run both on Tuesday and Wednesday, almost 170 laps in total without any problems...

FA: We did not have any problems. There were some issues like fuel consumption and also something mechanical the other week, but fortunately we have no problems at the moment. But even if we do it doesn't matter as long as we do not have them in Australia.

Q. On Tuesday it appeared that you got rather close to a Ferrari (Luca Badoer) on track?

FA: Not really. It is only a pre-season testing. We have so many new things to test, and until now we have not been able to. We are just following the programme as planned.

As you can see, the car is fast. At the moment it is going very fast, and well, but last week we were testing alone here so maybe there is a bit of advantage of having been here, more than other teams. Who goes fast in the season no one knows...

Q. Do you prefer the reliability or the speed of the McLaren?

FA: The reliability I think. Until we do a race condition, the speed is the same for everyone really. But it is the reliability that we cross our fingers for. It has been good so far. The issues we had before are no longer issues, which is a good sign. But whatever is wrong it is better to have problems now than in Australia.

Q. How are the Bridgestone tyres?

FA: They are very difficult to drive. All the teams are having problems driving them, but it seems McLaren have adapted much more quickly than others. That seems to play to our benefit.

Q. Any surprises so far?

FA: There have not been many surprises. The times are close and we have done a few laps. Every driver has done only 50 or 60 laps, working on reliability and getting used to the conditions.

Q. Are the good times because your car is good, or because it suits your style?

FA: It is a bit of everything. I am giving my maximum to the team. The team have done a great job and the car is very competitive.

Q. Do you think it was too early for Lewis Hamilton to drive for McLaren?

FA: You had better ask him. I intend to do my job and improve my car. The important thing is that we will arrive in Australia ready and prepared. He is going to learn as much as possible as fast as possible.

Q. Are you happy for now?

FA: Yes. We can be very happy. It has gone well for the moment, so you have to be happy. But things change from one day to the other. Any problems and worries can return, so we have to keep cool and keep working hard.

Q. How are Ferrari doing?

FA: In these conditions no one knows, as no one can drive in completely dry conditions.