Alonso tipped for victory by Ecclestone

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has tipped Fernando Alonso as the heir apparent to Michael Schumacher’s crown.

The Spaniard leads the world championship with two wins from three races establishing a 24-point lead over Schumacher, who has struggled so far this year.

At 36, seven-time world champion Schumacher is nearing retirement, which could come at the end of his Ferrari contract when it expires in 2006.