The Spaniard might have won last time out in Malaysia but is under no illusions that circumstances played a major part in the Scuderia's win.

Rather than challenging for another victory this weekend, the double World Champion is expecting a testing weekend in China.

"Nothing has changed since Malaysia and so I expect a tough weekend," said Alonso.

"There will be no big surprises, as although the car has some small improvements, there is nothing big coming for this race. I expect this is the same situation with the other teams, which is why I feel the general picture will be the same as at the last two races.

"This means we will struggle to get through into Q3 on Saturday and then on Sunday, we will be hoping to get a good start and then do a good job of tyre management.

"We can also hope for a little bit of luck, because this is a factor we often forget but it is there, as we saw in Australia and then again in Malaysia where I was lucky to avoid a first corner accident.

"You need a big package to win and luck is part of it, so let's hope it stays with us for this weekend.

"Sure, if it was wet that would help, but even then it can go both ways, because you can either find yourself on the right tyre at the right moment or the wrong tyre at the wrong moment."