Alonso happy with 'special' result

It was a competitive showing all round by Renault, with Jarno Trulli setting the fourth fastest time, and the team is confident its performance will carry over into the race.

"This is a special day for me since - as I had hoped - I was able to place my car in the second row of the starting grid at my home Grand Prix, in front of my crowd," said Alonso. "I felt the car was much more competitive today than yesterday. In qualifying, it was perfectly balanced and I did an excellent lap. I think both Jarno and myself are in the position to fight a good race tomorrow and bring some more valuable points to the team."

Mike Gascoyne, Renault's technical director, said: "An excellent result for the team, as both drivers did a perfect lap. We are thrilled to have our cars on the second row of the starting grid. For tomorrow, we believe in our strategy and we have to work out how to try and beat the Ferraris."