Alonso says Ferrari can still win title

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso says the team still expects to fight for the Formula One title this season despite acknowledging the scarlet cars are likely to struggle in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

Alonso said Thursday that this year's Ferrari is still not a finished product heading into Friday's first practice session and that the team is behind the likes of Red Bull and McLaren in development.

However, the two-time world champion said the legions of Ferrari fans should not give up hope yet, saying "maybe we are not as quick as other teams in this race, but we want to be champions in November."