Alonso not surprised after Hamilton outburst

(GMM) Fernando Alonso has refused to rise to the bait of his teammate Lewis Hamilton's provocative comments at the scene of the Japanese grand prix.

McLaren rookie and championship leader Hamilton launched two separate verbal attacks on his Spanish colleague and rival at the Fuji Speedway; one on Thursday and again in conversation with British reporters on Friday.

In the second, 22-year-old Hamilton answered "no" when asked if Alonso had been loyal enough to his team in 2007.

"Obviously I have an opinion, but I prefer not to say it," Alonso told the Spanish newspaper Diario As.

He suggested, however, that he was not surprised to read Lewis' comments in the press.

"Perhaps not after Hungary, when there were the discussions with the stewards," he said, presumably referring to rumors at the time that Hamilton had personally asked the FIA to penalize Alonso for a qualifying pitstop incident.

Pointing out McLaren's constant references to equality, Alonso said he would not hesitate to speak out if he detects any deeper ructions within his ranks.

"By all means, by all means," he said simply.

"On the sporting side I am more comfortable than ever. I know the tires better, the car, and I feel very good."

Alonso's former Renault colleague Denis Chevrier, meanwhile, said in Japan that he doesn't think the new teammates' row at McLaren is going to affect the outcome of the title chase.

"I believe that Fernando will win the title," he said, "because he is better in the sense than he can win with a car that is not necessarily the best one.

"Lewis wins, but only when the car is at its most competitive."