PlanetF1

Alonso predicts qualifying struggle

Friday 14-March-2008 10:48

Fernando Alonso has ruled out a podium finish for Renault in Australia and says it will be a struggle for the team to qualify in the top ten.

The Spaniard finished second practice in a lowly 13th position - an indication, it would seem, that Renault are struggling to keep pace in the race to be the best of the rest behind Ferrari and McLaren.

While still hopeful that Renault will be "close" to the "top teams in a couple of race's time", Alonso is predicting a tough time this weekend in Melbourne.

"In P1 we looked a little bit better than P2, but we were a little bit far behind. So we are still not really convinced where we are in terms of performance compared to others," he told Autosport.

"Also, we maybe have to improve our one lap performance. It is not the best at the moment. We are quite happy with the long run performance... but we need to get the maximum of the first timed lap.

"We are still not convinced that we arrive at our maximum potential, so that will be quite difficult for tomorrow qualifying. We need to work in third practice over this one lap performance and try and get the maximum for it."

Asked how he was coping with the need to lower his expectations after three successive seasons of competing for World Championships, Alonso insisted, "It is not difficult. You set your own targets, I know for this weekend it is not a win and not a podium, but we will try to get into Q3 tomorrow. We will try to get points Sunday afternoon."