Sebastian Vettel will find it difficult to defend his world championship title in 2011 because Fernando Alonso is better than him, according to double world champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

Fittipaldi also expects Ferrari to be closer to Red Bull in terms of performance for the majority of the season.

"It is possible [for Vettel to defend his title], but it will certainly be very difficult. Ferrari will be improving their car for 2011 to make up the little missing piece from this season," Fittipaldi told Germany's Die Welt newspaper. "And Fernando Alonso is currently the most complete driver. He has so much experience and as much ambition, and he doesn't like to lose."

Fittipaldi also thinks Michael Schumacher could be back to his best in 2011 if he has a car that suits his driving style.

"Before the race in Sao Paulo I had breakfast with (Mercedes bosses) Ross Brawn and Norbert Haug and they assured me that the next car will better meet Michael's style. I believe in Michael Schumacher.

"I remember having a talk with Ayrton Senna when Michael was at Benetton. Ayrton found it extremely hard to race against him. That, you do not lose. I won my last major race when I was 49."