Alonso: “There aren't many drivers faster than Massa”

Fernando Alonso avoided answering directly when asked whether or not he would welcome Sebastian Vettel as his teammate at Ferrari.

Even though Vettel has now signed to race for the next four seasons with Red Bull, the reigning world champion has repeatedly stated that he would like to drive the Red Bull sooner or later.

At Ferrari after a difficult 2010, Felipe Massa will seek confirmation this year.

“I never thought about it,” Alonso replied when asked if he would have any objections to hiring the German. “Firstly I drive against every one of my teammates and now it's Felipe.”

When asked whether or not he respects the Brazilian Alonso he replied: “Felipe is a great challenge for me. I don't think there are many riders faster than him. After all, in Brazil in 2008 he crossed the finish line and was world champion by a few seconds, so he doesn't have to prove to anyone how fast he is and how much talent he has."

Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa told Corriere dello Sport that Massa will not necessarily start as number 2 and that Ferrari is hoping for "two strong drivers with similar performances". “We'll see how the first races start” added Costa.