Alonso looking to wreck Vettel’s party in Singapore

Two-times champion Fernando Alonso is aiming to wreck Sebastian Vettel’s title party in Singapore next weekend by finishing on the podium and, if possible, beating the German as he seeks to wrap up his second drivers’ championship.

Spaniard Alonso, of Ferrari, believes he will have enough speed and competitiveness in his car to finish in the top three at least – a result that would make sure this year’s championship is not settled in the floodlit south-east Asian showpiece race.

Alonso is 112 points adrift of runaway leader Vettel in the title race, but has produced some consistently strong showings in the second half of the season and knows he can stop the Red Bull team enjoying early celebrations as they bid to retain their crowns.

Alonso said: “Our aim, when we arrive in Singapore, will be to win the race. After practice and qualifying, we will see where we are exactly, but speaking now, before the race, there is one clear aim – which is winning.”

He added: “For me, Singapore is always a very special circuit. It is a street circuit with all the characteristics we normally like. We were quick in Monaco this year so I think in Singapore that we have the possibility, the chance, of being competitive.”

Alonso said that the fact he is currently second in the World Championship – in what he has been a disappointing campaign for Ferrari – shows how much better things should be in 2012, if the new Ferrari car can deliver on the promises made by the team.

“Our expectations are always very high,” he said.

“We are Ferrari so we know that we need to keep fighting, and we need to be competitive.

“The World Championship is the main target every year because you race for the best team in the world. Next year we will start again preparing the winter and the season in the best way possible and try and fight for the World Championship.

“This year we did not complete our expectations. We were not quick enough in some parts of the championship, and we struggled a lot with the 2011 car.

“Even with these problems, however, we are second in the championship so that shows our aims and ambitions to reach our targets.”