In what will be seen as a clear snub to his former employers and teammate, Fernando Alonso is reported to have told the Spanish media that he will assist Felipe Massa in his bid to win the 2008 title.

Thanks to some over enthusiastic driving in yesterday's race, reigning World Champion Kimi Raikkonen didn't have to swallow his pride in order to support his Ferrari teammate, the Brazilian effectively ruining his own race... and that of his title rival, according to some, with a move that earned him a drive-thru penalty.

However, as the title fight heads to China it appears that the Brazilian will receive help from elsewhere, two-time World Champion, Alonso.

"Yes, without doubt. If I can help, I will help Massa," Alonso is quoted as telling Spain's AS newspaper following his second successive win.

In the last six races, Alonso has scored 35 points, courtesy of three fourths and two wins. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume that he will be up there battling with the leaders, and could therefore have some influence in the outcome of the title(s).

To ensure that there is no mistake as to how he feels about his former teammate, when asked about Hamilton's punishment for the first corner incident, the Spaniard admitted that he fully supported the penalty.

"I don't know what he did," the Spaniard subsequently told reporters. "But it's good he's punished anyway."