Suzuka, 10 October

Fernando Alonso will start the Japanese Grand Prix from the second row, right behind world championship leader Mark Webber. The Spaniard set the fifth fastest time in Q3 and is generally pleased with that, given the pecking order among the front runners. “It was a case of damage limitation,” said Fernando after the session. “At this track, the Red Bulls seem unbeatable and McLaren are also very competitive. Others are also very close, given that there are seven cars all within four tenths. Maybe if I’d had one more lap I could have found the tenth or a bit more that I needed to get ahead of Kubica, but this is not bad, especially with Hamilton’s penalty.” The aim in the race remains the same: “I think a podium is still possible. I will try and attack at the start and then maybe with a good strategy we can put the Red Bulls under a bit of pressure. Now we are focussing on the race and it will be important not to make any mistakes.”