Fernando Alonso was in upbeat mood after qualifying in Valencia, despite being unable to match the front row spot he earned last time out in Canada.
The local hero insists that he’s happy to start fourth, behind the Red Bulls and Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren.
“It’s the best qualifying of the year apart from Canada, where we were on the first row of the grid,” said Alonso. “Of course we know it’s our maximum position at the moment. Red Bull is out of reach, they’ve had the last 13 pole positions, regarding the last races of last year. This is F1, no magic tricks from one race to the other.
“The real goal was to beat the McLarens. We have one McLaren in front and one behind, so more or less it’s achieved, the goal. Felipe and me we start in between them, so hopefully tomorrow we can fight for a podium, which is the main goal for this weekend.”
Alonso, who has never finished in the top three at this track, says he hopes to take advantage of any trouble ahead.
“A podium is the realistic target for us. We’ve been saying this from Thursday. It’s true that in free practice we were quick, but now in qualifying we see the real potential of all cars, and we see the Red Bull clearly favourite for pole position and for the race win.
“We just need to overtake one car. I’m sure Lewis will be aggressive on the first corner. We need to overtake the Red Bulls quickly, if I can take any benefit from some accidents, I will be ready…”
Adam Cooper F1 