Alonso Writes Off Chances after Spin

Renault's Fernando Alonso wrote off his chances of victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix after spinning out in qualifying on Saturday.

"I didn't think at all we could win the race," said the 22-year-old Spaniard, who qualified on pole in Sepang last year before coming third for his first podium finish. "We are not strong enough. The Ferraris are much stronger than us and it will be difficult to fight with them. I don't think we can live with them."

World Champion Michael Schumacher, who won the season-opening race in Melbourne, secured pole position for Sunday to further underline Ferrari's dominance.

"Anyway, my race tomorrow is not with the Ferraris, it's against myself," said Alonso, who in Hungary last year became the youngest winner in Formula One history. Renault have designs on becoming the top challenger to Ferrari but a mistake at turn 13 by Alonso was a blow for the ambitious French team.

"I lost the car and spun," shrugged Alonso, who has been tipped as an outside bet for the world title this season. It's always difficult to start from the back but I think tomorrow will be no problem.

"Last year, two or three races I started from the back and managed always to be in the points. Tomorrow I hope to do the same thing."

Alonso, who finished third in Australia, added: "The start will be important but I think we can take points. I race always to the maximum, I like the circuit and the heat, so it will be an interesting race."