Alonso sees Schumacher as main rival in 2011

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso considers, despite the German’s disappointing 2010 season, Michael Schumacher as his main rival for the upcoming Formula One season.

Having returned last year to F1, after three years of absence, Schumacher failed to perform, being overshadowed by Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. Besides, the Mercedes GP car never seemed to be competitive enough throughout the whole season.

Still Alonso sees Schumacher as a big threat for the 2011 season, especially if he is handed a competitive car that can fight for wins.

"There will be five world champions on the track and the most dangerous champion for me is always Michael," Alonso told reporters during Ferrari's winter retreat at Madonna di Campiglio.

The Spaniard underlines that the German is seven-time champion and he has nothing to prove to anyone. “He had a difficult season but he is still a champion,” said Alonso.

"He is still super class and if the car is right he will be a contender," the Spaniard added.

As for Sebastian Vettel, the driver to whom Alonso lost the world title in Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard thinks that he will be stronger than last season, but he would prefer to see his team-mate Felipe Massa fighting for the title with him.

"Hopefully our car is better than the others and my toughest rival next year is Felipe," Alonso added.

"No doubt Sebastian will be a contender. He will have experience and will be calm in certain moments. He will drive better than last year and that makes him dangerous to us. McLaren will also be one of the favourites."