Apr.4 (GMM) Fernando Alonso in Bahrain said he does not expect Lewis Hamilton to face a title challenge from his new McLaren teammate in 2008.



Alonso, the 2005 and 2006 world champion, left the Anglo-German team at the end of last year after complaining of inadequate treatment in comparison with Hamilton.



The Spaniard has been replaced for 2008 by Heikki Kovalainen.



Alonso said he believes the path will have been cleared for Hamilton to fight unimpeded for the title.



"I do not know how things stand now in regards to the two McLaren drivers, but I do not think he will have difficulties," Alonso, referring to 23-year-old Hamilton, told the Spanish newspaper Diario AS in Bahrain.



"I assume that the team will be working to win the championship with him, not with Kovalainen," Alonso added.



Alonso made it clear that he regards Michael Schumacher, and not Hamilton, as his greatest past challenger for the title.



"Michael was able to get things from his car that others can not," he explained.



Alonso said it is "incredible" that, after just nineteen races and five wins, Hamilton is already being compared with the most successful driver in formula one history.



"Yes, right now, yes (I do find the comparison incredible)," he insisted.



"When Hamilton has won several world titles, fine, but after five grand prix wins when he is sitting in a McLaren - the best car - I think more calculated assessments should be made."