Alonso still optimistic of strong race

The Renault driver, winner of the Bahrain Grand Prix last Sunday, will start the race from seventh place after a problem with the refuelling rig meant he went out with a lot more fuel than needed.

Alonso struggled with the heavy car in the final part of qualifying while his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella grabbed pole position.

The Spaniard felt he could have fought for pole had he not had problems, but was still optimistic of doing well in the race.

"It was obviously a very disappointing qualifying session for me," Alonso said. "Fisico showed what the car can do at this circuit, and I should have been up there as well. We had a problem with the fuel rig before the final part of qualifying, and I didn't have the performance on my lap with new tyres at the end.

"Even so, I am not actually in too bad a position, and I will gain a place before tomorrow. The package actually feels good, and we are consistent with our pace, so I am not ruling anything our for tomorrow."