Alonso expects tough strategy choice

The Spaniard, leading the championship after three races, posted the quickest time in practice, but he has warned that Ferrari will be hard to beat this weekend after the Italian squad enjoyed a strong test in Barcelona last week.

Alonso admitted that despite Ferrari's form, McLaren will go for victory on Sunday, but the world champion reckons it will be hard to choose the right strategy.

"It is difficult. We always try to win the race so sometimes you have to think what is the best strategy for the race," said Alonso.

"But knowing that is very important to start from the front, sometimes you have to find a good compromise between a good starting position and a good strategy.

"So I think we have some work to do tonight to think which is the best strategy but for sure winning the race is the target.

He added: "With Friday it is always difficult to see a clear picture of the weekend, but I think we did our programme we did what we planned to do and we are happy with our job."

Alonso, looking for his second consecutive home win, outpaced teammate Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon, but the Briton had been quickest in the morning.