Alonso says sixth was best possible result

"We took advantage of the puncture from one of the drivers in front and we beat Webber, which is what we were expected to do, and I'm happy with how the car worked in the race," Alonso said after the Istanbul event.

The Spaniard benefited from the problems suffered by McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen at the start to score three points.

When asked if sixth place was the best Renault could hope for now, he said: "At the moment yes. It's been two races with the new aero package and this is what we are aspiring to.

"The three teams in front are way ahead of the rest, but let's hope the next step that we take can bring us closer to them."

Alonso, who had a good start and even managed to run in fourth place, admitted he took risks at the start of the race because he had nothing to lose.

"This year we are not fighting for the championship, so if we don't finish a race it's not so serious, so I have to take risks and this time I could gain a few positions," he added.

The two-time champion said he is now looking forward to having a good race in Monaco, where he has won for the past two years.

"We'll see. Monaco is always a special race for the drivers. I won there for the last two years, so I like it and I have good memories. We know this year will be more complicated but I hope we can put of a good performance."