Renault-ace Fernando Alonso claims that the Renault team can perform better than the Mclaren team in the forthcoming Italian GP at Monza. As expected, the speedy McLarens clocked several record timings at the recent tests in Monza. Alonso admits that the McLarens driven by Raikkonen and Montoya have had a commendable speed advantage for several races. However, the World championship leader believes that his Renault will be able to close in onto the McLarens at Monza, on the back of a strong engine. Alonso said, "McLaren are very quick, there's no doubt, but Monza is a completely different circuit to any other, so we approach it feeling confident. We have had good straightline speed all year, and that is one of the things you need there. So it could be a good race for us."

Now what do you think would be the reason that would prompt any driver to put on such predictions? Especially in cases were the predictions suggest outdoing the speedier lot (McLarens of course!) on the grid. It is not a prediction or matter of opinion perhaps! It may simply be the confidence to clinch the World title this season, which seeks to fortify the belief of beating the McLarens. And needless to say---Alonso, who leads Kimi Raikkonen by 24 points, with five races to go, is well aware of the fact that concluding a podium finish at each of the race will be sufficient to sustain his grip onto the championship title. Alonso said, "As long as we finish the races, we are okay. If we are competitive and can get on the podium, then it will be hard to lose my advantage. I can still afford some bad races and not the lead. McLaren have pressure to be perfect until China, and if they are not, we will be there to punish them."