Fernando Alonso on Wednesday sounded surprised when told that McLaren chiefs Ron Dennis and Eric Boullier have been making very upbeat comments lately.

McLaren supremo Dennis has been talking about wins and team boss Boullier declared that the MP4-31 is even better than Ferrari's.

"Who said that?" Alonso is quoted by Spanish media as having responded in Monaco to the media's queries.

"That's very optimistic, but if that's what Eric and Ron say, then I have to agree with them because they are my bosses."

Honda-powered McLaren are expecting a competitive weekend in Monaco but Alonso warned: "Mercedes will be strong, Red Bull will be strong, Ferrari will definitely be competitive.

"We must ensure that we are close to this group."

McLaren sit eighth in the standings ahead of Sunday's race.