Alesi comments on drivers

Ex-Formula One driver Jean Alesi thinks Giancarlo Fisichella is more naturally talented than Michael Schumacher despite him not yet winning a race. The Italian is well thought of but some doubt his committment as he has been in the sport quite some time without acheiving a Grand Prix victory. Given the right car, Alesi thinks Fisichella could well be a threat to the four time world champion.

"I honestly think Giancarlo is better than Michael in terms of natural talent; he has incredible car control and an ability to concentrate on strategy without losing speed," Alesi said, "Except in terms of working to maximise his potential, which Michael does best, Giancarlo is the best driver in Formula One."

Jacques Villeneuve also won praise from the Frenchman -- speaking of an overtaking move Villeneuve made on Schumacher in the past, he exclaimed: "It was totally incredible! Impossible! But Jacques scares me, he's a crazy driver! He has absolutely no fear. I sometimes worry he'll have a really big shunt. He's fearless in what he says too. Formula One needs that."

Rubens Barrichello, who has been verbal of late about his number two status at Ferrari, got little in the way of sympathy from Alesi about his woes. The Brazilian believes he gets less support from the team than Schumacher but Alesi thinks he should stop worrying and just get on with driving.

"To be honest, I don't believe Rubens is going to have a long Ferrari life. Again this winter, he's been talking to the media about trying to get the team behind him. That's wrong. He needs to realise how lucky he is to be driving for Ferrari, and he should stop worrying about why the team is so centred on Michael. I understand how difficult it must be to be Michael's teammate, because Michael is so very good, but Rubens has the same equipment, after all, and he should devote all his efforts to trying to get the best out of that equipment." Was Alesi's opinion.