Renault, Honda and Ferrari showing wellHe might be the reigning world champion, but Fernando Alonso does not think he should be regarded as the `reference` for his rivals.
That privilege, the 24-year-old Spaniard insisted, belongs only to Michael Schumacher, the most successful Grand Prix driver in history.
Alonso said: "If Ferrari turn out in races to be as good as they seem in testing, then Michael is definitely the favourite for 2006."
Interestingly leaving Renault`s 2005 challenger McLaren out of the equation, Fernando said the `best teams` of the winter have been Renault, Honda and Ferrari.
"At least for the moment, these three teams are in front," he said.
Alonso also admitted that teams on Michelin tyres, like Renault, had been caught up by the Bridgestone shod camps, including Ferrari.
He said the axing of the one tyre per race rule had worked in Bridgestone`s favour.
"Last year, we had a fantastic tyre for the whole race, so we have perhaps lost this advantage."
But although Renault`s new R26 looks almost identical to the 2005 predecessor, it has leapt ahead in technical advancements for the new season. For one, the gearbox has shifted from six to seven speed, and is now made entirely of titanium.
In addition, the cooling system is more advanced, allowing for smaller radiators and side pods.
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