Alonso relies on strategy to grab points

The Spaniard has usually opted to run a lighter fuel load to qualify higher up the grid, but this time he opted to run with a heavier car and he will start from 10th position.

The Renault driver, who failed to score in the last race in Turkey, is hopeful the strategy will pay off.

"Today we were carrying quite a bit of fuel as we decided it was better to do this than start light and lose track position by having to pit early," said Alonso.

"I think points could be possible in the race, but we have to hope that the strategy will come to us around the time of the pitstops.

"I think the most important factor tomorrow will be managing the tyres because Silverstone is very demanding on them. So we need to look after them, especially the softer compound, on the long stints."

Team-mate Nelson Piquet felt he could have been higher up the grid after qualifying in 14th, but the Brazilian said his car's handling changed all of a sudden.

"The car felt good at the start of the session and we had improved it since free practice, but something didn't feel right at the rear of the car at the end of Q2 and so I had to abort the lap," he said. "I would have liked to have been a bit higher up, but we needed a couple of extra tenths to make it into Q3.

"Tomorrow will be a tough race as it's difficult to overtake here, but with a good start and strategy we could challenge for some points."