Alonso believes he can win in Turkey

"I am very happy, to be honest," said the Spaniard, who will start the race from third place, behind Felipe Massa and championship rival Michael Schumacher.

"We knew that for one timed lap Ferrari were too strong today. We believe more in our pace for the race.

"To be just behind them with Fisi fourth it was the maximum the team could do today. We are in an optimistic mood."

Alonso finished less than a tenth behind Schumacher, who is 10 points behind the Renault driver in the standings with five races remaining. Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella was fourth.

The Spanish driver reiterated he is not feeling any added pressure, and he is adamant that he can return to winning ways tomorrow.

"I think you always have pressure in F1, it doesn't matter in which part of the championship you are in," Alonso added. "In a top team you need to do the maximum each race.

"We still have to do our own race, the maximum we can, no mistakes and when the race finishes, second is the maximum you can do. But P1 is better and tomorrow we have the chance to do it."