Alonso Happy Despite Losing Third Place

Spaniard Fernando Alonso was pleased with his fourth position at today's European Grand Prix despite losing third place in the drivers' standings to Williams' Ralf Schumacher.

"A good race for me, and a strong result after a difficult weekend," said Alonso, who had a very busy race, fighting hard with McLaren's David Coulthard and Ferrari's Michael Schumacher at the end of the race.

"I had a good fight with Jarno in the first few corners, which he eventually won coming out of Turn 4. I managed to get past him when he pitted before me, but I lost some performance during the last stint, even though we made small aerodynamic changes at both stops.

"I was under a lot of pressure during the last stint, first from Coulthard and then Michael, but I managed to keep my position. Ralf's win means I have lost my third position in the Championship, but I'm not too worried: we did a good job this weekend."

Alonso has scored 39 points and is currently tied in fourth place with Colombian Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who today finished second. Alonso's teammate Jarno Trulli retired from the race with a fuel pressure problem.