Fernando Alonso sure a podium in Abu Dhabi is still achievable

The Spaniard lines up fifth on the grid at the Yas Marina circuit, but is well aware that Ferrari's pace in the races is often much better than it is in qualifying.

And he is optimistic that if his team gets things spot on in the race then it could get itself among the leading pack.

"The chances of a podium are always there," he said. "We start normally fourth, fifth or sixth over the whole championship, and we have got nine podiums from 18 races - so I guess tomorrow is 50/50.

"We can get on the podium if we do a perfect start, with a perfect strategy and we have good pace in the race. If one thing goes wrong then we are out of the podium, because we not that competitive to be able to do any mistakes."

Alonso has not enjoyed much good fortune in Abu Dhabi in the past - having lost the title there last year, and finishing only 13th in the inaugural event in 2009.

It is the only regular event on the current calendar where he has not been able to finish in the top two during his career.