Fernando Alonso has tipped Enstone's Renault's world title rivals Ferrari as the favourites for tomorrow's British Grand Prix.

World champion Alonso has dominated the season so far, but he expects to start the Silverstone race as the underdog behind Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher.

Even though the Spaniard drives for a French-registered team, he considers Silverstone almost a home track, lying close to his Oxford home and Renault's Enstone factory.

But he is expecting few home comforts tomorrow faced with a renewed challenge from Schumacher, who is 21 points adrift in the championship, while tipping McLaren's Monaco form to desert them.

Alonso said: "We need to wait and see how the McLarens are because in Monaco we saw a big improvement in their performance.

"We need to see if they confirm their improvements here on a normal circuit.

"But I think the battle will be more with Ferrari, they probably arrive as the favourites for this race.

"But it should be a good track for us also."

Schumacher believes he will be able to push Alonso hard for the victory, despite fading in the race in Spain last month, on a Barcelona track with similar characteristics to Silverstone.

The Ferrari driver is keen to shrug off a controversial incident in qualifying in Monaco and hopes to claim some positive headlines for his race-day performance at Silverstone.

"We have seen Renault were strong in Barcelona, but we understood the problem we had at the grand prix and we have solutions for that, so there is no reason not to fight for the victory," he said.

"I think every race is a key race. It is important. We know pretty much what we have to be prepared for."

Alonso is hoping to frustrate Schumacher and fight for a hat-trick of wins to delight the hard-working Renault staff, many of whom get a rare chance to see their cars compete in the flesh.

He added: "Here is import- ant, but not only for me 70 per cent of the people in the team are from England and it is a special race for everybody.

"I feel good here, the race has normally been quite successful for me here and I arrive with more confidence after the first seven races.

"It will be a good chance again to score some good points."