Alonso warns of Ferrari onslaught in Spain GP

Fernando Alonso has given his Ferrari team a perfect - and totally-insured - thumbs-up sign, predicting that next weekend they will launch a ferocious bid to win the Formula One world title this year.

The 28-year-old Spaniard, who left Renault for Ferrari this season, has revelled in his new surroundings with the scarlet scuderia and said that he is convinced he can challenge for his third title.

And, he believes, he can launch that championship bid on home soil when he leads Ferrari into the first European event of the year, the Spanish Grand Prix, in Barcelona.

He said: "I think that with all the potential that we have, with the super team that I have, this is just the beginning - and I have a real chance to fight for the world championship.

"That is something I couldn't even think about last year, after four races, but this time it is so different for me. I am enjoying it all again."

Alonso won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on his Ferrari debut and has been competitive, if less impressive, in the three following races in Australia, Malaysia and China. But, he said, he has enjoyed every moment in his new surroundings after two difficult seasons with Renault.

He said: "It is obvious that the championship always starts with the first race, but it is also true that the opening grand prix is just a contest that confirms the good sensations that you have experienced during the pre-season testing.

"When that part of the season is over and we start the European season, it is the real time to show who can fight for the title."

As if to symbolise his readiness for the fray and his confidence in emerging triumphant, Alonso has insured his thumbs - thanks to a special €10-million deal with his personal sponsor Spanish banking giant Santander.

Alonso is delighted not only with the deal, but the confident and positive signal that it has sent to his and Ferrari's fans. And he has eased worries about the team's engines after suffering early-season problems in China.

"The car is fine," Alonso said.

"For one reason or another we haven't managed to score as many points as we wanted, but I think we are going to have a good car again in Barcelona. I'm not worried."