Alonso insists there is no rift at Renault

WHILE Fernando Alonso and his Renault team continue to fend off concerns over divisions in their camp, Michael Schumacher is in buoyant mood ahead of tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The German recorded the third fastest time of the second free practice period yesterday, finishing marginally ahead of world title rival Alonso as the Suzuka track dried out in the final minutes of the session.

“The weather forecast is supposed to steadily improve and that can only be good for us,” said Ferrari man Schumacher.