Alonso Plays Down Home Victory Chances

Spaniard Fernando Alonso has warned his fans not to expect to cheer a home victory in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix and suggested the new Ferrari F2003-GA will be too fast to catch.

Renault driver Alonso delighted his home crowd by setting the third fastest time in first qualifying for tomorrow's Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona circuit.

In front of a huge crowd waving hundreds of Asturian flags, the 21-year old put on a brilliant lap to finish just behind the two Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, who secured a front row lockout with the new F2003-GA which made its racing debut this weekend.

Alonso could become the first Spanish driver to finish in the points in his home race.

"Tomorrow I hope I can have a good race and score more points," said Alonso. "We are not winning, obviously, but we have been very good all weekend and I hope for a good result tomorrow."

Alonso, who went out 11th of the 20 drivers in the session, held provisional pole position right up until the final three runs, when first Barrichello and then Schumacher beat his time. His rise to the front of the grid with Renault this year, after a year of testing for the French team followed a season with backmarkers Minardi, has drawn in the crowds this year.

"The feeling is very special here in Barcelona to be fighting with the top teams," said Alonso, who has twice finished on the podium this season. "Tomorrow we have a very good chance to score many points.

"It was a good lap and I think the people enjoyed it. We know we are fighting with some good teams and it is very special to be fighting with the top teams here in Barcelona in front of my people."

Alonso's teammate Jarno Trulli will start right behind him after securing an all-Renault second row.