Hamilton still favourite - Alonso

Lewis Hamilton is still in prime position to clinch the world title despite his retirement from the Chinese Grand Prix, says Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard finished second to Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari in Shanghai to move to within four points of his McLaren team-mate with one race to go.

"It will still be very difficult because it will not be easy to take four points from Lewis," said Alonso.

"I need something dramatic to win. With a normal race it will be impossible."

Raikkonen also boosted his title chances - his win leaves him seven points behind Hamilton going into the Brazilian Grand Prix on 22 October.

On form, the Finn will be favourite to win at Interlagos, but realistically he can only hope some form of problem befalls both his rivals.

"We are back in the championship and it will be interesting in the final race," said Raikkonen.

"Hopefully the car is good and it will be a battle all weekend. It is not just up to us, though. We saw today that anything can happen."

Hamilton attempted to look on the positive side after sliding into a gravel trap on his way into the pits to change his worn tyres.

The Englishman, 22, had already lost the lead to Raikkonen and was being pressured by Alonso when he made his error.

"I'm sorry for the team, but I can still do it, don't worry," said Hamilton.

"You cannot go through life without making mistakes. But I am over it and we look forward to Brazil.

"The team will be working hard to make sure the car is quick enough there, and we still have points in the bag."

It will be the first time since 1986 that three drivers have gone into the final race of the season still in contention for the title.

On that occasion, the man who went into the final race leading - Nigel Mansell - lost the championship.

The Englishman's tyre exploded on the main straight at Adelaide while he was in a position to win the title.

Frenchman Alain Prost went on to win the race and claim the second of his four drivers' crowns.

Source: BBC Sport