Podiums not enough to win 2012 title - Alonso

Sep.14 (GMM) Fernando Alonso insists Ferrari must plan to win more Grands Prix in 2012 if it wants to win the title.

Podium: third place Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, second place Sergio Perez, Sauber

Photo by: xpb.cc

The Spaniard said recently it might be possible for him to defend his 37 point lead in the drivers' chase simply by remaining on the podium at the remaining races of the season.

But he said during a media event in Spain this week: "Managing this points gap is going to be hard, because I think everyone is going to be on the attack.

"The whole situation can change in one race that goes wrong. So we have to keep developing, working hard, trying to win races.

"We can't be thinking about being fourth or fifth, or doing podiums, or how to manage (the points gap), we have to be thinking of winning races.

"37 points is nothing," he insisted.

Alonso said Ferrari is bringing developments to the F2012 package not only next weekend in Singapore, but also the subsequent races in Japan and Korea.

The 31-year-old was, however, reluctant to talk about the future, even when asked what his relationship is like with Sergio Perez.

Reports had linked the young Mexican with a move to Ferrari next year.

"I have nothing to say, especially in response to a report or a newspaper. The relationship (with Perez) is great, as it is with everyone else," said Alonso.