Fernando Alonso believes a podium finish is a realistic target for Sunday's Japanese GP, however, the win "is certainly less so."
The Ferrari driver will start the 53-lap race at the Suzuka fifth on the grid after failing to match the pace of the leading Red Bull and the two McLarens. He was also edged by his team-mate Felipe Massa for only the third time this season.
"I am not very surprised by this result: at the end of the day, McLaren and Red Bull have been quicker than us all weekend long and at least we have managed to get ahead of Webber," said Alonso.
"I seem to have a season ticket for fifth place this year and at least it means I start from the clean side of the track.
"My first run in Q3? I was pushing to the maximum but, after looking at the lap time analysis, I don't think I could have done much better than my second run."
The Spaniard, though, does believe he can achieve a better result on Sunday where he says a top-three finish is a realistic target, although it may depend on who manages their tyres the best.
"Tomorrow I expect significant tyre degradation to be a key feature of the race, with the possibility of several pit stops, which means strategy will play a very important role. We hope we won't have the same problems as in Singapore two weeks ago.
"We will try and make the best choices and fight for a podium finish, which is a realistic target. The win is certainly less so: as we saw in qualifying, McLaren seem very close to Red Bull here.
"The start will also be an important moment: both myself and Felipe will try and put pressure on those closest to us and then, if we happen to make up some places we will try and have our say."
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