Alonso: Fourth almost tastes like win

The Spaniard, winner of the last two grands prix in Singapore and Japan, finished in fourth position at Shanghai to secure Renault's fourth place in the constructors' championship.

Alonso said he was surprised with Renault's pace in the race, after admitting yesterday that he was worried about his team's form ahead of qualifying.

"It went well, and we nearly had the same pace as the Ferraris during most of the race and, like yesterday, I'm pleasantly surprised," Alonso told Spanish television after the race.

"During the first laps I was a little faster than them (the Ferraris), but I couldn't get close. Then they started to go quicker and opened a gap, but my battle was not with them today.

"We lowered revs after Heikki's puncture and then when we saw Kimi (Raikkonen) slipping behind we tried a final effort. But I'm very, very happy with fourth place, as it confirms the good results of the last races."

The result allowed Alonso to move ahead of McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen in the championship, but the Spaniard said his position did not matter much.

"Sixth, seventh or fifth, it's the same," Alonso said. "When you are not fighting for the title it doesn't matter, but I'm happy because you are nearly left with the same taste as in the last two races.

"In a race with no mistakes (from his rivals), we are fourth but very close to the top."