Fernando Alonso: I Won't Rule Anything Out From Fourth

Fernando Alonso isn't expecting his third Grand Prix win on the trot this weekend, but admits that anything is possible, especially as he will be starting tomorrow's race from the second row of the grid.

Alonso's pace wasn't up to that of Lewis Hamilton or either Ferrari in todays qualifying. But, he did beat Hamilton's teammate, Heikki Kovalainen, into fourth.

"I'm very happy with my qualifying session," said Alonso.

"I know it will be very difficult to fight for the victory tomorrow, but my grid position means that I can hope for a great race and I will be ready to make the most of any chances that come our way."

Alonso was shocked at his car's performance this morning, as the Spaniard hadn't managed any better than sixteenth in practice. However, a stunning lap of 1:36.927 saw him eat up half the paddock and gain his rightful place at the front of the grid.

"We had a few problems with the balance of the car this morning, but everything went well this afternoon and the car was much easier to drive," he said.

Pat Symonds, Renault's engineering director, was adamant that it was the conditions of the track and weather that played a role in the sudden change of pace, rather than adjustments that the team had made.

"This morning was very difficult, but not just for us because the grip for all the cars seemed to be surprisingly low," he said.

"We didn't make major changes for this afternoon, but the circuit seemed to come to the car."

Fernando Alonso told the media this week that he intends to assist Massa to the title win if the chance comes up. If I was Lewis Hamilton, I'd be worried about the two Ferrari's and Alonso right up the backside of my Mclaren at the start of the race.