Alonso hopes to challenge in Monaco

The Spaniard believes that while progress has been made to improve his Renault R28 in the last few weeks, Monaco may still represent his best chance of a podium this year.

"Of course this is one of the races that you always cross off on the calendar, because it is one circuit where power and aerodynamics are not important and you maybe have a chance," he said.

Renault's Nelson Piquet and Alonso were second and third fastest in Friday practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, but the double world champion warned that those times did not represent his team's current potential.

And while he expects Monaco to provide him with a chance to fight on more even terms, he warned that the problems that have kept Renault in the midfield pack will still be present on the streets of the principality.

"It is true as well, that you need a good traction at Monaco, which is one of the things that we lack in this car," he said. "And we also know that okay, Monaco is a special place, but normally the Monaco winner is one of the good guys as well. One of the winning cars.

"So you need a car anyway in Monaco, so I am looking forward to Monaco, but I have not put all my hopes in that race only."