Lewis Hamilton is still in prime position to clinch the world title despite his retirement from the Chinese Grand Prix, says Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard finished second to Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari in Shanghai to move to within four points of his McLaren team-mate with one race to go.

"It will still be very difficult because it will not be easy to take four points from Lewis," said Alonso.

"I need something dramatic to win. With a normal race it will be impossible."

Raikkonen also boosted his title chances - his win leaves him seven points behind Hamilton going into the Brazilian Grand Prix on 22 October.

On form, the Finn will be favourite to win at Interlagos, but realistically he can only hope some form of problem befalls both his rivals.