Alonso wants more from his tyres

The Spaniard had a comfortable lead and looked set to extend his advantage over Michael Schumacher in the title race until a decision to change his front tyres at the first pitstop let the Ferrari driver through to win the race and draw level on points.

"For sure today we lost one big opportunity, I had these laps when I was completely off the pace and too slow and I think the race finished then," Alonso, who finished second behind the seven-time world champion, told a news conference.

"We had a good start, a good 15 laps but then we decided to change the front tyres because the left one was worn. The other guys left the tyres.

"I thought that it would take only four laps to wear the new tyres in but it took eight or nine and that was too many and Giancarlo (Fisichella) and Michael came up very quick."

The 25-year-old, who won six of the first nine races of the season, has now gone seven rounds without a victory and seen the momentum switch to Schumacher, the winner of five of the last seven.

Alonso is confident he can prevent Schumacher taking an eighth title into retirement with him but the young Spaniard will be looking for improvements for the last two races - starting in Japan next week.

"For Suzuka and Brazil we need to believe in our tyres," he said. "At the moment both cars, the Renault and the Ferrari, seem very similar in terms of performance.

"Each race is dominated by tyres so hopefully Michelin can give us something more for the last two races. We're very confident for the last two races but this is one opportunity lost."

Team boss Flavio Briatore sympathised with his driver, who will be leaving for McLaren at the end of the season.

"This evening our main feeling is frustration," he said.