Alonso expecting difficult qualifying

The two-time champion, back in the team with which he won two titles in 2005 and 2006, managed the 13th fastest time, over two seconds off the pace set by former teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Alonso admitted he was pleased with the pace of his R28 over long runs, but he thinks Renault need to improve their performance over a single lap.

He reckons, however, that it's still too early to judge Renault's real form.

"I think it is still too early," Alonso told reporters after practice. "In P1 we looked a little bit better than P2, but we were a little bit far behind. So we are still not really convinced where we are in terms of performance compared to others.

"Also, we maybe have to improve our one lap performance. It is not the best at the moment. We are quite happy with the long run performance... but we need to get the maximum of the first timed lap.

"We are still not convinced that we arrive at our maximum potential, so that will be quite difficult for tomorrow qualifying. We need to work in third practice over this one lap performance and try and get the maximum for it."

Alonso is realistic about his goals for the weekend, and he claims it has not been hard to get used to the idea that he will not be fighting for victory.

"It is not difficult," he said. "You set your own targets, I know for this weekend it is not a win and not a podium, but we will try to get into Q3 tomorrow. We will try to get points Sunday afternoon.

"In Malaysia we will see how the track suits our car. Every race will be a new challenge and a new target, and developing the car will come every race. We will see how close we will be from the top teams in a couple of race's time."