Formula One news

Second row for Alonso

Fernando Alonso continued his strong performance in China as the Spaniard will start Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix from second row. Alonso will line up right next to championship candidate Felipe Massa. Alonso's team mate Piquet will start from 11th.

Much like yesterday, weather conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit were warm and sunny, giving good conditions for the qualifying hour. Both Fernando and Nelson carried their good form into the session, progressing comfortably through to Q2 where Nelson set the 11th fastest time. Fernando continued through to the top ten shootout where he secured his position on the second row of the grid.

Those positions leave the team hopeful of another strong race tomorrow where the objective will be to consolidate fourth place in the constructors' championship.

Fernando Alonso commented: "I'm very happy with my qualifying session. We had a few problems with the balance of the car this morning, but everything went well this afternoon and the car was much easier to drive. I know it will be very difficult to fight for the victory tomorrow, but my grid position means that I can hope for a great race and I will be ready to make the most of any chances that come our way."

Nelson Piquet P11 said: "It's frustrating to miss out on a place in Q3 by just seven thousandths of a second as I would have really liked to reach this part of qualifying. I am going to work with my engineers this evening and I'm hopeful of a strong race tomorrow. I will do my best in any case."

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