Alonso Expects Closer Race

Alonso's main title rival Kimi Raikkonen was the fastest racing driver in all four timed sessions ahead of today's qualifying, where the Finn claimed his third pole of the year, finishing over half a second in front of Alonso.

The Renault driver, leading Raikkonen by 26 points, will start from third place behind Jenson Button.

He believes, however, that Sunday's race will be much closer than practice and qualifying have suggested.

"We know we are competitive, I think the McLarens have been strong all weekend, quicker than anybody, but we know we are quick as well," said Alonso.

"We tried to show it in qualifying, and it was not possible, but I think the race will be much closer than it has been all weekend."

Alonso, who does not need to win a race again this year in order to clinch the title, said he will try to fight for victory tomorrow. But he is ready to take second or third places too in order to make sure he keeps his Championship chances intact.

"I think at the moment we fight for the victories," he said.

"Some places we will not be able to fight for the victory, maybe tomorrow we should think at the start to overtake Jenson, we have a good start normally.

"We are on the clean side so hopefully we can be fighting with Kimi from the beginning of the race and then, for sure, if we can do it we will try tomorrow to do it, and if not obviously second place is best one, if not third the best one, and I think for the rest of the season it will be the same approach as always."