No tension as Alonso gives Hamilton a ride
There was a telling moment on Sunday afternoon, as the formula one field slowly circulated the Suzuka circuit in the back of vintage sports cars for the pre-race drivers' parade.
But the historical car carrying the reigning world champion Hamilton broke down mid-lap, prompting his old rival Alonso to ask his driver to pull over before making room for the Briton in the back seat.
The pair completed the rest of the lap side-by-side and chatting.
Earlier this week, 24-year-old Hamilton had played down suggestions that Alonso's move to Ferrari will mean "total war" for the 2010 title battle.
"We get on very well," he insisted. "He will be very strong at Ferrari and we've got to make sure we do everything to beat him. We've got our work cut out; we've got to do a solid job with our car."