Fans disliked Petrov comments - Alonso

Fernando Alonso has urged his fans to be calm amid the Vitaly Petrov controversy, even if he understands their feelings in the wake of the recent 2010 finale.

Russian Petrov denounced the Spaniard's "bad manners" and "bad education" after the Abu Dhabi race, during which Alonso was held up for almost 40 laps.

The comments were a reaction to Alonso's rude gesticulations as he pulled his Ferrari alongside the Renault on the slowing-down lap.

Subsequently, Petrov revealed that Alonso's fans had littered his official Facebook page with insults and abuse.

Alonso told Spanish radio Onda Cero this week: "Probably my fans didn't like some of his statements after Abu Dhabi.

"We all have to think about what we say after a race, but I say to my fans to stay calm because we have lived together a spectacular year," he added.

Alonso admitted that a highlight of the season was his dominance alongside teammate Felipe Massa.

"I think there was never such a difference between myself and my teammate. This makes me happy, given the results I have had.

"My level of driving I think is at its best and I hope to continue like this next year," he said.