Eight drivers in top four teams can win F1 championship: Alonso

London, Mar 16 (ANI): Formula One ace Fernando Alonso, who won at Bahrain Grand Prix, has declared that he is only one of eight drivers who can win this years championship.

Alonso said all the other "Big Four" teams showed they have the potential to win races.

"The eight drivers in the top four teams are contenders for the championship. This is only the first race, but we saw the potential of Mercedes in free practice and the first qualifying period as well," he said.

"We also saw the potential of McLaren in the race as they were on the podium. And we saw the potential of Red Bull as they were quicker than us in qualifying, and maybe a little quicker than us in the race," The Sun quoted Alonso, as saying.

The Spaniard also said he expects to be beaten at times by Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa.

"Of course with Felipe, who is in the same car, there will be races one of us will win and some races the other will win. It will come down to each track. In Bahrain, for whatever reason, it went well for us.

"Maybe when we go to Australia for the next race Mercedes, McLaren or whoever will be a little ahead of everybody," Alonso said. (ANI)