Tyre Gamble Pays Off for Alonso

Renault's Fernando Alonso was delighted after securing fourth place in the drivers' standings following a strong Brazilian Grand Prix.

Spaniard Alonso took the risk to start the race on dry-weather tyres when the circuit was still damp, and initially dropped down to the back of the field until the track began to dry up few laps into the event.

Alonso managed to emerge in the lead, but in the end had to settle for fourth position.

"The choice to start on dry tyres was really a big risk: the car was very hard to drive and I went off on the formation lap and the first lap," said Alonso. "However, it gradually got better and I managed to take the lead, but after the first stop, I didn't have the pace to get on the podium.

"The car was understeering badly because of the graining during the second stint then we took a risk in leaving the tyres on. This meant I ultimately lost more grip but in spite of the problems, I attacked 100% all the way through, kept the other cars behind and thanks to that, I am fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

"That was my main goal today and I am delighted to have achieved it."

Alonso was the only point-scorer for the Renault team after former champion Jacques Villeneuve failed to finish in the top eight for the third consecutive time. The Canadian, however, was happy with his race pace despite finishing in 10th position.

"I think my race pace was actually very good today," said Villeneuve. "I was behind Fernando in the first laps and it would have been too much of a risk to try overtaking in the conditions. I lost time when the track was wet but after that, I feel we were quite quick in the second and third stints.

"I didn't manage to score any points at Renault but I think my performances got better and better with each race. It was very tough to adapt but I want to thank Renault for the opportunity they gave me."