Alonso claims testing edge over Ferrari.

Fernando Alonso claims that Renault's greater testing knowledge of Silverstone gave the team an edge over Ferrari on Friday, but the true picture has yet to emerge.

Although Alonso was only seventh in the afternoon, team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella set the fastest time straight away on a brief appearance halfway through the afternoon session, and was only beaten at the end by BMW tester Robert Kubica. The Italian then had a spectacular spin, while Fernando also had more than one off-track moment as he explored the limits.

"I think we were quick straight away because we test a lot here and Ferrari don't," Alonso said, "So, for sure, the first lap you do on the track your car should be a little bit ready compared with their car.

"But, you know, I think we had difficult conditions today, very windy and very hot compared with the test. We need to wait for tomorrow but, for sure, things are going well so far, and we can fight for the pole tomorrow with Ferrari."

Alonso admitted that it's not yet clear whether Michelin or Bridgestone will have the upper hand for the balance of the weekend.

"It's a good fight," he agreed, "Today, it's not really an easy answer. It seems that Michelin is a little bit better today, I think, and this is good news for us. But, also, in Monaco Thursday, we were really looking great and, on Saturday, we saw the Bridgestone [was competitive]. And, especially on Sunday with more rubber down, they were quick as well. I think it will be quite equal here again, quite similar, and this is good."

Alonso said that the much-talked about fast corners were tricky if your car isn't quite right.

"If the car is performing well, and you have a good balance, it's not difficult," he explained, "It's more physically tough with these speeds and, for sure, if you have a balance problem, a little oversteer or understeer in these high speed corners, with these speeds, it's more of a challenge."