Alonso still hopeful of bouncing back

The Renault driver equalled his worst qualifying result of the year after finishing down in seventh position, five places behind championship rival Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari.

Alonso, who is 17 points ahead of his German rival with seven races remaining, still believes he can move up the field in the race thanks to the heavier fuel load used today.

"Our position is not what we were hoping for, but we have to see what happens tomorrow with the strategies to see where we are," Alonso told Spanish television.

"You never know what your rivals are doing, and seventh is not the ideal place to start from tomorrow, but there are a lot of laps left and we think we are carrying more fuel than the others."

Alonso admitted after qualifying he was unhappy with Schumacher after the Ferrari driver left his pits just as he was running down the pitlane during the final moments of the session.

The move gave Schumacher the chance to run with no cars in front.

"He left the pits without looking and I think the stewards are looking into it, but when you are driving down the pitlane you have the priority and he didn't respect it," Alonso added.

Schumacher said he didn't know Alonso was there.

"The lolly pop went up so I went. I had no idea Fernando was there. If he has a problem with it then I am sorry, but that is the way it goes sometimes," the German said.