Fernando Alonso is not ready to place a bet, but his tip as the favourite for Sunday's season opener is Red Bull.

"I think Red Bull were a little bit ahead at the last test," said the Ferrari driver, who has been named as the Bahrain favourite by some of his own rivals.

The Spaniard said during an interview with Cadena SER radio that Red Bull, with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber at the wheel, are "perhaps very strong now, but Bahrain is an unusual track so it's hard to bet on a winner".

Beyond this weekend's race, 28-year-old Alonso predicts a close battle for the title.

"There will be four or five drivers in the fight.  I'd like to know who it will be," he said.

Alonso insists he will not be personally disappointed if he is not able to commence his new tenure with Ferrari by adding to his two world titles.

"This is sport, not everything is two plus two," he said.  "Winning a world championship is not a logical thing and it would not be a disappointment, even if we will work hard so that we do not disappoint our fans."