US GP: Fernando Alonso believes F1 points finish is realistic

The two-time world champion has only scored points twice this season, at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, but he believes a third top 10 finish of the year is achievable at Austin this weekend.

"I feel happy and confident in the car," said Alonso.

"It seems we are a little bit more competitive at this circuit compared to previous races.

"We have a very nice opportunity this weekend to get some points and we have to maximise that.

"Yesterday we had a first read on the upgrades and everything seems to be working as expected again.

"So it's another step forward, another step closer to the position we want to be.

"There is still a long way to go but I'm happy with the car so far this weekend, and I really think we have an opportunity to get some points."

Alonso believes his position early in the wet FP3 session was a more accurate representation of McLaren's competitiveness than the 14th place he occupied by the end of the session.

"The first attempt, when we were with everybody on the track, we were P6," he said. "Maybe that is too optimistic.

"But eighth, ninth, we can quite easily be. P14 I'm not happy with, hopefully tomorrow we can have a good position.

"Hopefully we get the chance in qualifying and the race to show our potential that I believe is better here than at previous races.

"This track is a little better for us, and the wet conditions equal a little more the power effect.

"Then the improvements on the car are always working, and moving the performance closer to our competitors.

"Top 10 would be quite an achievement if we can do it, but today I felt happy and confident in the car so I am looking forward to tomorrow."