Hamilton and Alonso share a lighter moment in Brazil

Formula One's governing body approved the race monitor to ensure McLaren give equal treatment to Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in the race at Interlagos.

That is despite McLaren's assurance the drivers would be treated the same.

And Alonso said: "It is not up to us, but I don't agree with it - we do not need anything like that in the garage."

The move came after Spanish Motorsport Federation chief Carlos Garcia spoke to FIA president Max Mosley about Alonso's cool relationship with McLaren boss Ron Dennis following a series of rows.

606: DEBATE Who will win the World title on Sunday?

But Alonso continued: "I trust the team, despite what happened in China. As I said there, I was disappointed with the qualifying performance.

"I thought it was a strange result, particularly after Q1 and Q2 when I thought I would be close to fighting for pole position.

"But I realised the tyre pressures were a little bit high, and this can happen in any of the qualifyings.

"I just want to think it was a coincidence, a little bit of bad luck, and for this race it should be okay."

Hamilton and Alonso's relationship has also been strained in recent weeks with the Englishman saying he would prefer it if his Spanish team-mate moved to Ferrari.

We are fighting on the track, but off it, we have had a good relationship from day one Fernando Alonso

But in a news conference in Sao Paulo ahead of Sunday's race, both played down any rift between them.

"We are as good [friends] as ever and we've got on quite well all year," said Hamilton, who is bidding to become the first driver to win the world title in his rookie season.

"It is the media has tried to put a gap between us.

"Like any relationship, after getting to know Fernando over the course of the last year, it has grown.

"I'm sure the respect for each other grows as well I guess. But on a Saturday and Sunday it's a little different because you are in competition."

Alonso agreed, saying: "They [the media] have said many things that were not true but we've never had problems.

"We are fighting on the track, but off it, we have had a good relationship from day one.

"When you see us together, it's only on a Saturday at the 'Meet the Team' press conference.

"That is just after qualifying when we are very focused on the race, strategy and result, so that is not a very relaxed moment.

"But here on Thursday, I don't see any change compared to the last 10 months."

The Spaniard is four points behind his British team-mate as he chases a third consecutive championship and he is fully aware of what he needs to do to win the title.

"I know the combinations I need to win the championship.

"Retirement is not one of those. I have to finish the race and I will race because I need to take places if the opportunity comes, but the main thing is to finish the race," he said.