Aleshin not giving up title hopes

Aleshin scored his maiden F2 victory last time out at Oschersleben and is now Soucek's closest rival, although he is 32 points behind the Spaniard with just 40 still available.

But Aleshin insists that the fight is not over yet.

"I haven't lost the championship yet," said the 22-year-old Russian. "It is very difficult, but while there is still a small chance, I'll give 100 per cent in every session. Racing has a habit of springing surprises, so all I can do is push as hard as possible and see what happens. It's hard, but it's not impossible.

"My main target is to win races. That will be the best way to stop Soucek but, rather than focus on another driver, my focus has to be on myself and my own championship."

Aleshin added that even if he can't win the title, he will do all he can to make sure he holds onto the runner-up spot.

"I will keep pushing but I also have to keep second place," he said. "There isn't much to separate the drivers challenging for second, so there's still everything to fight for.

"I want to finish in the top three - it would be great to qualify for an FIA Superlicence because I would be the first Russian ever to do so."