Alonso given no chance

Fernando Alonso to struggle with slow Renault?

Kimi Raikkonen has written off Fernando Alonso's chances of winning this year's world title, saying the Renault R28 is not fast enough.

Alonso, who rejoined the team after a tension-fraught 2007 season with McLaren, has struggled during pre-season testing as Renault battle to recover from last year's slump.

The Spaniard has found himself almost a full second off the pace of F1's leading teams, Ferrari and McLaren, prompting Raikkonen to suggest that Alonso will not be a part of this year's title race.

"Fernando is a good driver, but his options depend on how good the Renault car has been developed. By his declarations, it seems that they lack speed," the Finn said.

Team-mate Felipe Massa also believes Alonso will be out of the running this season.

"My main rivals will be Kimi and Hamilton," the Brazilian told AFP.

"If you have to take on Alonso it's better that he's driving for the French team than McLaren because it seems to me that Renault aren't at the same level as McLaren." SkySports