Renault hungrier than ever for points

"The team has done a very good job these last two days in developing the car and the result is reflected in my fifth place today," said Trulli. "I am very happy with the car, since we found a good compromise with the aero package. Furthermore, I am confident with the race strategy we have chose and with the reliability of the car, so I really think we should finish in the points tomorrow."

Alonso echoed Trulli's confidence in his ability to manage a points-paying finish in the race. Looking to build on his impressive result in the melting pot of Sepang, the young Spaniard put together a solid drive to finish just 0.5s off the pace.

"Today in qualifying we were able to work on a dry track, which was impossible yesterday afternoon," he said. "I am quite happy with my laptime because I didn't make any mistakes and the car felt good. I am in 10th position and, considering that I believe we have a good strategy, I think tomorrow we could bring home some more points."