WilliamsF1 driver Mark Webber tips Fernando Alonso for a second successive title in 2006, his final year with Renault before moving to McLaren.

Following recent tests, Webbers admits that he is impressed with the new Renault R26 and Alonso's attitude.

"I think Fernando is big," the Australian told the Sunday Herald Sun. "I think Alonso will come out of the box.

"I always thought last year would be one of the easiest championships he would have," admitted the WilliamsF1 driver. "Looking at what I saw this past week, he might have an even easier one. He's not lacking in confidence at the moment. He drove superbly last year."

However, it is the switch to McLaren, an announcement which shocked the paddock when it was made in mid-December, which Webber believes might be the one obstacle in Alonso's road to championship glory.

"The only thing that puts a little question mark on him is his relationship with Renault," said the former Minardi and Jaguar racer.

However, Webber predicts an altogether better season for the Spaniard's teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. "I think he will have his best season," he said, "partly because Renault will be so dominant and will score a lot of one-twos in the early part of the year."

As for his own chances, with WilliamsF1, Webber said: "We can be a force, but we have a tough phase coming up. "We are going all right but we've got a bit to do."

As for the opposition...

"I'm expecting Jenson Button to win races," said the Australian. "McLaren might be good in the end. We'll see. But I don't think McLaren will be strong in the first part."