Alonso plays down title talk.

He may have become the first Spaniard to ever lead the Formula One world championship, but Malaysian Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso is keeping his feet firmly on the floor when it comes to discussing his title chances.

Asked whether this could be his year after recording successive podium finishes and opening out a 16-point lead over Renault team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella in the standings, Alonso insisted that it was too early to be talking about acceding to Michael Schumacher's throne.

"It is only the second race, and we can not say anything," he stressed, "However, I am in the best position I have ever been because, in 2003, we were competitive in some places and not in others, and, in 2004, we were competitive at the beginning but, at the end, we lost the championship. It seems that, this year, we are the best at the moment, and the team is programmed to make good steps on the car and develop it every two races. If we keep going like this, for sure I have a chance.

"It is a fantastic feeling, not just to be the first Spanish [points leader], but just to be first in the championship. I think to lead the world championship in Formula One is a dream for any young driver, and I have reached this milestone at 23 years of age. Now I only need to finish in this position... I don't know where or when that will be, but I hope to fight for the championship as soon as possible."

Despite having out-performed the Scuderia in both Australia and Malaysia, Alonso refused to rule Ferrari and Michael Schumacher out of the fight, even though the world champion current trails him by 14 points.

"I think Ferrari and Michael will be stronger opponents for everybody when they sort out the problems they have now," he reasoned, "Maybe we will have more problems and we will see races more like last year - unfortunately. We need to take care of our car and our pace and performance, and, while Ferrari are not so strong, take the first position and the points."

Round three takes the field to Bahrain, and a circuit where the Renaults struggled in 2004. With this in mind, Alonso is cagey when asked about his chances of adding to his podium tally.

"It will be more difficult for us," he admitted, "We are starting in a very strong position, but we saw this weekend that Toyota, Williams - and always McLaren and Ferrari - are very strong. The competition is tough now.

"Bahrain was not the perfect place for us last year, so I think we will suffer a little bit. Then, when we arrive in Europe, I think it will also be tough, because it has always been good for the other teams. But then, this year, everything seems different. The Renault has been good on any type of circuit, and I'm confident that we can be in the frame in Bahrain."