During an interview, Mercedes sports chief Norbert Haug said he has "two favourite drivers". "The order is whatever you like, as long as one of the two is ahead at the end, Fernando or Lewis - we have two favourite drivers in our team," Haug said.

After Monaco Grand Prix McLaren-Mercedes were investigated and cleared of giving prohibited team orders by motor racing's ruling body FIA after Spanish two-time world champions Alonso and Hamilton took the first two places at last month's Monaco Grand Prix.

"If FIA had had the slightest suspicion we would certainly have been punished. But they didn't find anything and that doesn't surprise me. Where there isn't anything you won't find anything," Haug added.

Alonso regained the championship lead with a superb victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. His team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, was second ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

The two McLaren drivers go into Sunday's Canada Grand Prix in Montreal - the sixth race of the season - leading the drivers' championship level on 38 points, five points ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa of Brazil.

In the constructors' championships, McLaren are 20 points ahead of Ferrari. Today, Fernando Alonso has praised Hamilton, but warned that he has no intention of giving up his place as the team's outright number one driver.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a race he won last year, Alonso acknowledged Hamilton's flying start and said he was now keen to press home his own superiority.

"We need to wait and see how the championship develops, but, for sure, it's been a very good start for the team and for Lewis. Thanks to everybody's points, we are doing great in both championships." He said.

Alonso also strongly dismissed the allegations about team orders being given to Hamilton at Monaco GP. "I know the British press suggested that (team orders were applied), but if you get to the first pit stop with a 10-second disadvantage to your team-mate, then it's hard to pass him, even if you stop later," Alonso said.