Alonso Happy with Podium Finish

Renault driver Fernando Alonso welcomed his second consecutive podium finish despite failing to repeat last year's win at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard, who in 2003 won the race in dominant fashion, had to settle for third position today, behind the untouchable Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, who crushed the opposition in the Hungaroring race.

Alonso was pleased with the result, which was a repeat of what he achieved in Germany three weeks ago.

"It was a pretty calm race for me, maybe a little bit lonely even," said Alonso. "The start was a bit close when Sato tried to block me and I had to brake a little, which might have cost me second position at the first corner.

"Once I was in third, though, it was just a matter of managing the gap to Montoya and maintaining a constant pace. I didn't make any mistakes, and neither did the team during the pitstops. I am quite pleased to score my second podium in a row, and it was good to finish ahead of our main rivals."

Alonso's teammate Jarno Trulli endured a disappointing day and retired with a mechanical failure on lap 42. The result allowed Alonso to move to within one point of the Italian driver.

"I think my retirement was caused by the engine: I lost power then it cut out," said Trulli. "However, I was already having difficulties at that stage.

"Ever since just before my second stop, I was having big problems with the front of the car: it was understeering so much that I was losing several seconds a lap. I am very frustrated because during the first stint, I was following Button easily and felt I was faster than him."