Moscow: New upgrades to Ferrari's aerodynamics have made Fernando Alonso a strong contender for the Formula One title, three-time race winner Giancarlo Fisichella said Wednesday.

Ferrari struggled in pre-season testing, but Alonso surprised many with a win in Malaysia and podium finishes in Spain and Monaco to lead the title race by three points from reigning champion Sebastian Vettel.

"After the latest changes to the aerodynamics, you can count Alonso as one of the favorites," Fisichella, who now works for Ferrari, said.

Alonso's under-pressure teammate Felipe Massa turned round his poor form with a sixth place finish at the last race in Monaco, Fisichella added.

"Felipe Massa had some problems at the start of the season, but in the last race he drove brilliantly."

Fisichella will drive a Ferrari at a demonstration in Moscow next month, with 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton appearing in a McLaren.

Fisichella partnered Alonso at Renault for his two championship-winning seasons in 2005 and 2006, and retired from the sport at the end of the 2009 season after 13 years in F1.