Alonso says second place in German GP a fantastic achievement

The Spanish driver had won the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, but started the race down from fourth place.

Although Ferrari had a more difficult weekend because of the low track temperatures, Alonso fought for victory and finished less than four seconds behind race winner Lewis Hamilton.

The Spaniard believes the result was a "fantastic achievement" for Ferrari.

"I am extremely happy with today's result," said Alonso. "We had a weekend that probably was not the easiest one. We struggled a bit on Friday, in qualifying we were fourth, half a second from pole so no doubts that we struggled a bit more with the weekend.

"But even with the difficulties we are second and fighting for victory, so this is a fantastic achievement. Second in Valencia, first at Silverstone and second here.

"With three different rules, three different maps, we were constantly first and second on three different circuit and with different temperatures, so with all these conditions we saw consistency that put us in a good position to enjoy this final part of the championship."

Alonso believes Ferrari could be even stronger in the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend thanks to the higher temperatures and the softer tyres.

"I am looking forward to a bit more temperature on the track. The soft and super soft tyre should be an advantage for us in terms of how we take on the tyres. In a week we will have a very interesting weekend again.

"McLaren did a step forward, and Red Bull will be extremely strong, so it is challenging for us."

Alonso is now 86 points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel, who finished in fourth today after his worst race of the year.

Alonso, however, does not believe the German is feeling the pressure.

"No, I don't think so, it was a bad race or whatever happened. I think he spun at the beginning of the race and I don't know how he was stuck behind Felipe. These things happen."