Sep.27 (GMM) Fernando Alonso on Thursday broke with his usual preparation for a grand prix in 2007 by taking in the Fuji Speedway layout on foot.

Accompanied by three of his chief McLaren engineers, including Mark Slade, the 26-year-old pored over the finer details of a circuit for the first time in 2007 -- almost certainly because it is the only new venue on this year's calendar.

But it should also be pointed out that Alonso, just two points behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton in the championship chase with three races to go, always walked the circuits during his Renault days, culminating in back to back titles in '05 and '06.

Hamilton did not walk the Fuji layout on Thursday, where weather reports are calling for weekend rain, and told reporters in Japan that he has not even sampled its curves on a computer.

Alonso, on the other hand, did a few laps in a Renault road car last year.

"I haven't -- but my brother's been round it on the PlayStation," Hamilton smiled.