Alonso Worried about Tyres

Championship leader Fernando Alonso is optimistic Michelin will solve their tyre problems ahead of the United States Grand Prix

The Renault driver, however, admitted he was concerned following today's qualifying session.

"We are worried, all the Michelin teams, but at the same time we are confident that what Michelin recommended now about pressures should solve the problem," said Alonso. "I think this low pressure some of the teams ran yesterday was some of the problem.

"This is what Michelin is more concerned about. Safety, obviously, we sacrifice a little bit of performance to be safe. At the end of the day, we have to wait and see. If Michelin is happy to run tomorrow, we're happy and confident to run with them.

"If Michelin said it was not safe, then the drivers would agree not to race. But this is an extreme option, and this will not happen - never. I'm sure we'll be OK tomorrow, and 20 cars will be racing here."

Alonso, who was the fourth man on track in qualifying after retiring from the Canadian Grand Prix, posted a promising sixth fastest time.

His teammate Giancarlo Fisichella will start the race from fourth position after a strong qualifying run.

The Italian is feeling confident of a strong race.

"It was a very good lap. A clean lap," he said. "The car balance was much better today than yesterday, so I felt really confident in the car. I think we have a good race strategy.