Fernando Alonso revved up for FA title fight

Fresh from a three-week break, Fernando Alonso heads into Sunday’s Spanish Grand with a renewed sense of optimism as he looks to revive Ferrari’s flailing campaign.

While the Spaniard won a rain-effected Malaysian GP, a moping Alonso has been a familiar sight around the pit lane as he realised his new F2012 wasn’t the speed machine he thought it would be.

But having made significant updates to the car since Bahrain last month, the double world champion is raring to get his team back on track.

“We are not in an easy situation,” he said. “However, the aim is to fight right down to the last lap. We will bring new parts, we will never give up and our aim is to win the World Championship.”

KIMI RAIKKONEN has vowed to build on the momentum he gained with his second-place finish in Bahrain by going one better in Barcelona. After nabbing his first podium since returning from a two-year stint in rallying - only defending champion Sebastian Vettel finished ahead of him in the Gulf kingdom last month - the Lotus driver said: “I expect Lotus to be very competitive at Barcelona. It’s going to be very, very close between the top teams.

“I have won here twice, and there’s nothing better than winning in any Grand Prix. Those two wins are my only podiums in the event.”

MARK WEBBER is hoping to continue his love affair with the Circuit de Catalunya as he searches for his first chequered flag of the season.

The Red Bull racer has fond memories of the Spanish track, boasting ownership on the front of the grid for the past two years and converting it into a victory back in 2010. Webber has had a solid start to the campaign with four fourth places, but the Aussie ace is determined to take it to the next level on Sunday.

“I like the Barcelona track, it’s a track that’s been good to me in the past so I’m looking for a strong weekend,” he said. “It’s tight amongst the teams, so we’re mindful we need to get everything right to get a good weekend.”