Alonso criticises McLaren over treatment

MADRID, Oct 6 (Reuters) World champion Fernando Alonso has criticised his McLaren team and boss Ron Dennis for they way he has been treated since joining the Formula One outfit this season.

The Spaniard said he was disappointed at the scandals that had engulfed the team and what he saw as preferential treatment for British team mate Lewis Hamilton.

''I expected a lot more, we all expected a lot more,'' Alonso was quoted as saying by the Spanish media following yesterdats final qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

''From outside the team, I had a different image -- serious and very professional. I came here after winning two world championships and I improved the car all I could.

''Last year they were battling away to make it into Q3 (qualifying session) and this year they are going to win the title.

The truth is the treatment I've received hasn't been very good.'' Alonso made it clear he felt the team and Dennis in particular were favouring Hamilton.

''We all know how the team celebrates the victory of one team member and the other,'' he said.

''And when you hear the declarations of your boss saying that he feels a paternal sentiment for one of your team mates and rivals, then you know that you can never have much trust in what that person will do.'' WORTHY CHAMPIONS ''I've spoken to (David) Coulthard, (Juan Pablo) Montoya, Kimi (Raikkonen) and all those who have left the team and they have been much happier for it. There must be a reason for that.'' Alonso hinted that he was unlikely to remain at McLaren next season.

''From what they've said and done it doesn't look as though they are very keen and that they've got enough with one of the two drivers that are here and I've no problem with that. There are another 10 or so teams that are interested in me.'' Despite his complaints Alonso said Hamilton would be a worthy champion if he won the title.

''He will deserve it if he wins the title,'' he said. ''You have to be realistic and totally sporting. I think you have to know how to win and how to lose. If I don't win this year it's because someone has scored more points than me, and if that's the case it's because he has done a better job.'' Alonso qualified a disappointing fourth while Hamilton, who needs to finish ahead of his team mate and Ferrari driver Raikkonen to wrap up the title, starts on pole in Sunday's race.

REUTERS TB AS0116