Aleshin ready for Vettel challenge

The Russian driver was fastest in testing at Monza on Thursday, and he is not expecting to slot into a number two role behind the BMW Sauber F1 team test driver during the year.

"Of course I'm expecting competition from Sebastian this year, but we don't know who will be pushing who yet," said Aleshin.

Vettel has been tipped for the title due to his impressive performances as a stand-in at Carlin last year, where he won both races on his debut weekend at Misano.

However, Aleshin believes that experience will still count over the course of an entire season.

"I think it's going to be another competitive year, and I can't see anyone running away with the championship," he said.

"I have the benefit of having worked with the team for a season and having raced at most of the tracks in a World Series car.

"So we shall see. Hopefully we will be able to challenge each other and improve in the process."