Alonso Says Wrong Strategy Cost Him

The Spaniard had been ahead of Raikkonen in the early stages of the race but lost out during the pitstops - as his McLaren rival's longer first and second stints allowed him to get on terms with Giancarlo Fisichella.

But Alonso was far from upset about finishing third - especially because he and second-placed Fisichella had helped Renault re-take the lead in the Constructors' Championship by two points from McLaren.

"It was okay," said Alonso. "The fist lap was similar to last year and because obviously there was not any more the Championship in mind I didn't need to take care, so I really went for it.

"I was quicker than people in front of me. There was Michael Schumacher, I overtook him and pitted and then they overtook me again. So I had to fight again, overtake, pit and overtake them again.

"I think the strategy didn't work us and we had an extremely competitive car. I felt quicker than Kimi today but unfortunately I was not able to beat him.

"Before the first stop I was in front of him by a long way but because of the stops and traffic I was third. But this result was good for the Constructors' Championship."