Alonso fears Ferrari are untouchable

The Italian squad proved dominant in qualifying, with Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher locking up the front row to pave the way for their seventh win in eight races.

Renault driver Alonso, tied on points with Schumacher with just two races to go, had to settle for a distant fifth position after the Bridgestone runners dominated the day.

Alonso will start behind the two Toyotas of Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli, also using Bridgestone tyres but believed to be carrying less fuel than their rivals.

"The conditions were difficult for everybody today, and the Bridgestones are very strong in these conditions and over a single lap we had nothing to do," said Alonso after qualifying.

"So fifth and sixth behind the two Ferraris and the two Toyotas was quite a predictable result.

"We knew it was impossible to beat them over a single lap, but we still have the whole race ahead of us. We have to try and do our best in the race tomorrow.

"There's little to be done about Ferrari. They have been very fast over a single lap and over long runs. With Toyota we expect to be closer to them."

Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella will start from sixth place.

With two races remaining, including Sunday's showdown, Schumacher can clinch the title at Suzuka if he wins and champion Alonso fails to score.