We’re less than a month away from pre-season testing for the 2013 Formula 1 season to kick off and the back and forth between possible championship contenders has already begun.

Last year’s runner-up Fernando Alonso – by just three points in a time when the difference between first and second place is seven – took to Twitter to respond to Red Bull Racing tipping him and Ferrari to be their biggest obstacle to a fourth straight double of the drivers’ and constructors’ crown.

I enjoy reading that redbull still think we will be the strongest rival for next year! And this even before start testing!! Flattered..;)

The Spaniard has taken a liking to the micro-blogging site and when he isn’t busy dropping ‘samurai wisdom’, weighing in on on-track battles (Nico Rosberg in Bahrain) he often provides a lot of insight into the training regimen of F1 drivers by posting his workout summaries.

All in all it’s one of the more interesting F1 Twitter handles to follow although it’s not really a substitute for seeing the actual emotions of drivers in the heat of competition. Of which we are to get a preview as teams head out to test their 2013 machinery.

So far four teams have confirmed the launch dates of their challengers.

McLaren – January 31st, Ferrari and Force India – February 1st and Sauber – February 2nd.

Of these teams only Force India is yet to confirm its driver-line up for this year with only Paul Di Resta confirmed as one of the drivers.