'Alonso Needs Massa To Win 2012 Title'

Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle says Spanish Ferrari driver and current Championship leader Fernando Alonso is by no means guaranteed to win the 2012 Drivers title despite his big head start in the Championship.

With nine races remaining and a total of 225 points to play for, the man from Oviedo, who is the only driver with three victories to his name, is leading this year's hunt by 40 over his nearest competitor.

The battle behind Alonso is intense with Australian Mark Webber, German Sebastian Vettel, Englishman Lewis Hamilton and Finn Kimi Raikkonen separated by just eight points.

Brundle reckons if the pack behind the Spanish double World Champion, together with his Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa, take points off each other, Alonso's run to this year's World title will be made easier.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle said: "I think Alonso's going to have to rely on Red Bull and McLaren and Lotus taking points off each other and he needs Felipe Massa to get in and help him by taking points off his main rivals. I think Alonso's obviously got a big head start points wise but I don't think it's a dead cert by any means."