Fight between Hamilton and Alonso could get nastier - Webber

According to Red Bull driver Mark Webber the battle between former team mate Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will be more vicious than last season. The Australian declared this in his column for the BBC.

Webber said: "It could actually get nastier in terms of the battle on the track because the gloves are off. Fernando can take the fight to Lewis - there is a bit of friction there. It could be fascinating."

Fernando Alonso decided to return to Renault after a very difficult year at McLaren.

"Fernando would love at the end of next year to have beaten both of them [McLaren and Hamilton] but he knows it's not possible in the first year. He's not saying he doesn't care about it; he's just being realistic.

"He's not stupid, Fernando, even though some things were a little wild last year. He's got his head screwed on.

"I think every now and then Alonso will put the cat among the pigeons. In the overall picture, he won't win the war, but some of the battles could get juicy."

Although Mark Webber believes Hamilton is a very good driver, he tips Kimi Raikkonen to win his second title this season.

"Lewis is very good. The car last year was very good but for him to operate at Fernando's level was exceptional. But Kimi will probably win the title. He and Ferrari have done very well in testing. He has probably worked out how to enjoy the sport more now he's won a championship.

"I don't think he's going to be around that long, so he's probably going to try to grab a few championships.

"He lost a championship at McLaren with an unreliable car, so to get it with Ferrari was very, very good for him, and I think Kimi can do it again."