Heikki backing Alonso for the title

Heikki Kovalainen has tipped Fernando Alonso to win this year’s Drivers’ Championship after taking the lead in the standings in Monaco.

In a season that has seen results all over the pace and six different drivers claim victories, Alonso has proven to be the one of the more consistent.

The Spaniard is one of only two drivers who has three podium finishes to his name – the other being Lewis Hamilton.

But, unlike Hamilton, Alonso is also one of the six drivers who has won a grand prix.

As a result the Ferrari driver is leading the Drivers’ Championship on 76 points, three ahead of his nearest rival and reigning Champ Sebastian Vettel.

And Kovalainen reckons Alonso’s performances out on track mean he is the favourite to take this year’s crown.

“Yes, he will take the Championship this year,” the Caterham driver told Finland’s Turun Sanomat.

“Whenever there are special circumstances or weather conditions, there is always one common variable: Alonso is always at the forefront.”