Alonso Blames Traction Control for Spin

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso will start tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after spinning on his flying lap in final qualifying.

The Renault driver, fresh from scoring his maiden Grand Prix victory in Hungary three weeks ago, endured a disappointing qualifying session.

Alonso lost control of his car coming out of the first chicane of the Monza circuit, and although he was able to keep the engine running, he set a time that was 18 seconds off the pole position time.

The young Spaniard claimed a problem with his traction control system was to blame for the spin.

"There's not much to say really," he said. "I went into the first chicane as normal, but the car spun on the exit because the traction control was not working. As you would expect, I am disappointed, but tomorrow is another day. We know it is possible to score points starting from the back, so it's not over yet."

His Renault teammate Jarno Trulli enjoyed a much better session, the Italian posting the sixth fastest time in front of his home crowd.

"It was a good lap and I am happy with the result, particularly here at my home race," said Trulli. "Having said that, I think I could have gone a little faster: the car had the potential to be a bit quicker.

"I have got a good balance, and the new engine spec ran well: from the driver's seat, you can feel the difference. I am confident we can score points tomorrow."