Alonso laments missed podium chance

"Today I missed an opportunity to be on the podium," said Alonso, who was fighting in third place before his pitstop, when a problem with the left front tyre made him lose a lot of time.

"I had a good start, making up a few positions and the strategy looked good.

"The car was better than we expected and I was in third position when I came in for my pitstop and it became clear that something was wrong on my left front tyre and the team asked me to retire.

"We now think it was damaged at the first corner at the beginning of the race. Anyway, Monza is in two weeks and I look forward to making up for the disappointment of today," added the Spaniard.

Team-mate Romain Grosjean also retired from the race after he was involved in the first lap crash.

Grosjean, who made contact with championship leader Jenson Button, blamed the Briton for the accident.

"I made a very good start, moving up to thirteenth place and I was keeping a good pace but then Button took me out at turn five and it was the end for me," the Frenchman said.

"It's frustrating because I would have loved to finish the race and learn more about the car on this very special track. Hopefully I can do better in Monza."