Alonso: Red Bull fastest in F1

 
Italy's super-critical media declared itself happy with the outcome of the 2013 season opener despite Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen trumping Ferrari's Fernando Alonso by 12.5 seconds.

La Gazzetta dello Sport said: "Everyone had bet on Vettel winning in Australia, but the attacker become the defender."

Alonso finished second in the 2013 Australian grand prix, ahead of Sebastian Vettel, the triple consecutive world champion for Red Bull.

Corriere dello Sport said: "Ferrari is ok, only Raikkonen was faster. The season has started off well."

'VETTEL DOESN'T NEED TO WORRY'

Despite Kimi's win,  Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "I see Red Bull and Vettel in particular as our biggest rival."

Montezemolo has christened the new F138 car "Speranzosa", meaning "The hopeful".

Alonso warned: "The Red Bull is clearly the fastest car in the field. They (Red Bull) saw a little bit of (tyre) degradation (in Melbourne) but that doesn't mean they are not the fastest."

Niki Lauda, the triple world champion and Mercedes team figure, agrees: "Vettel doesn't need to worry too much. It (Melbourne) was just too cold for them, while the next race (Malaysia) is hot. Red Bull will be back at the front.

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