Alonso still favourite for 2012 title - Salo

Fernando Alonso is still very much in the running for the 2012 title.

That is the claim of former Ferrari and Sauber driver Mika Salo, who said many figures in the paddock also doubt that Sebastian Vettel will necessarily stroll to his third consecutive drivers’ title over the season’s final four races.

German Vettel finally took over Spaniard Alonso’s long-held championship lead in Korea recently with his increasingly dominant Red Bull.

But Finn Salo told the MTV3 broadcaster: "There is a common perception among the drivers that Alonso will win the championship this year.

"Keep in mind that Ferrari was not competitive at the beginning of the year, but Alonso has led almost the entire way until now.

"He hasn’t made any mistakes throughout the year, which is different to Vettel.

"Vettel gets the job done when he is driving alone at the front, but he is not as rational as Alonso in racing situations.

"Alonso on the other hand would prefer 18 points to none," added Salo.