MOTOR SPORT/Formula One French Grand Prix:Red Bull driver Mark Webber feels "a bit of friction" between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso is spicing up the Formula One world championship battle this year.
The McLaren team-mates are also firm rivals, despite the constant claims from the camp that all is well between the duo.
Hamilton sparked the situation after the Monaco Grand Prix when he was told to ease off by the team as he reeled in Alonso around the streets of Monte Carlo. "I've number two on my car, and I'm the number two driver," said a disconsolate Hamilton after the race.
Following the Canadian Grand Prix it was Alonso's turn to bemoan his status, remarking that as an Englishman in an English team, Hamilton was being given preferential treatment. Then during the United States Grand Prix a week later, the 25-year-old Spaniard was clearly seen shaking his fist as he pulled close to the pit wall at one stage.
It appeared to be a sign of frustration with the team as Alonso had failed the lap previously to pass Hamilton, who was leading the race at the time.
Following the showdown in Indianapolis team principal Ron Dennis confirmed neither driver would be allowed to speak about the other unless in the same room due to his fear of either being misquoted and stirring up feeling.
Hamilton confirmed such an arrangement a week ago, but then at a function for Vodafone talked about Alonso anyway, insisting he was more competitive than the reigning double world champion.
Then on Thursday, ahead of this weekend's French Grand Prix, when Alonso was asked about the situation, he denied it, adding that he did not know why Dennis had made such a statement. It suggests there are problems within McLaren and, as an outsider looking in, Webber remarked: "It's a tremendous fight, there's no question about it.
"What Lewis has done has been very impressive, to operate at the level he has week in and week out. As for Fernando, he is in a new team and is still getting himself sorted into a position we are accustomed to seeing him in where he is more in control of what's happening.
"Obviously, the results aren't good for him, but I still think he will do okay, and if he wins the championship then I'd be happy for him. It's not that I have anything against Lewis, but I know Fernando better.
"As for them as people I think they're both simple, uncomplicated, normal guys. But as usual Formula One is making a total meal of something when it's just two guys racing other.
"I guess bad press is always good. If they're getting on, kissing each other on the podium, then that's not good.
"If there's a bit of friction then that's always nice because it's what sells papers and makes good TV."
Ferrari revive hopes
Ferrari dominated French Grand Prix free practice yesterday with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen reviving hopes of ending McLaren's winning streak. Finland's Raikkonen beat Massa in the first session while the Brazilian led a Ferrari one-two at the top of the timesheets in the second.
Ferrari-powered cars filled four of the top five slots in the afternoon, with Toro Rosso's American Scott Speed a surprising third-quickest and Italian team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi fifth.
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton suffered a rare mechanical setback in the morning when his McLaren's engine protection system clicked in and forced him to park by the side of the track. But he was still fourth-fastest in the afternoon. Double world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain, 10 points adrift of team-mate Hamilton, went off into the gravel three times in the second session and ended up eighth-quickest.
