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Alonso upset as Shanghai race nears

Following a blocking penalty he received three weeks ago Italian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has opened his mouth at the formula One sport. The Renault driver said it is more a "big show" than a sport. "Many people feel that but no one says," he said, expressing mainly his discontent. His comments come in advance of the Shanghai race, where Michael Schumacher will try and overcome a two-point deficit in the rankings.

The incident in Italy did not involve Schumacher, but as the FIA dropped the defending world champion from fifth to tenth on the grid, the margin at the top of the rankings shrunk. Officials ruled against Alonso for impeding Ferrari driver Felipe Massa in qualifying. Schumacher ended up winning the race. Alonso denies the allegation and feels the penalty is both unfair and can hurt his chances to defend his title.

Meanwhile the Shanghai race is attracting a lot of attention and ticket sales are high. The German`s statement that he will retire at the end of the year have a great deal to do with this, especially as turnout in China has been lesser in past years. Over 110,000 spectators are expected to attend this year.