Alonso not concerned about race weather

Alonso boosted his Formula One title chances on Saturday by taking pole position on an all-Renault front row at a rain-swept qualifying session.

The pole position was Renault's 50th in Formula One and Alonso's 15th but first since Canada in June, a race he went on to win comfortably.

The Spanish driver was dominant during the day, topping the times in all three parts of qualifying as the Michelin runners seemed to have the edge over their Bridgestone rivals in the wet.

Alonso, however, says Renault will be strong too even if tomorrow's race is dry.

"To be honest who knows. I think we had a little rain yesterday, we have no information in the dry but I think we are very competitive in the dry," said Alonso. "So if tomorrow we have a normal race in dry conditions we will be strong, but if it is wet we are strong as well, but it can be dangerous and less predictable."

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, two points behind the Spaniard in the standings with three races remaining, will start a distant sixth. Schumacher was the only driver on Bridgestone rubber in the top 10.

"The championship we know is tight and it will be extremely difficult but we are very optimistic, we are very confident," Alonso added. "We are quick in the dry and quick in the wet, the team knows how to win in those circuits as well."

Alonso's Italian teammate Giancarlo Fisichella lines up alongside him on the front row after surviving a scare during the second session.

"In the second session on the first lap I spun and the qualifying session was nearly finished for me there," Fisichella said. "I went onto the grass and was able to get out, it didn't help me, so I was a bit cautious after that especially in turn one.

"I think we have got a very good strategy and a good performance in wet and dry and we are looking forward."