PlanetF1

Alonso: Ferrari would welcome the rain

Friday 25-November-2011 19:46

Fernando Alonso is hoping for rain in Sunday's Brazilian GP, admitting it would boost his chances of fighting for the race victory.

The Spaniard had a mixed opening day at the Interlagos circuit as his first practice ended four minutes ahead of schedule after he suffered an engine failure.

Alonso, though, was back out on track in the afternoon with a new used engine in his F150.

The double World Champ finished the day fourth on the timesheets, 0.206s behind P1 holder Lewis Hamilton.

Alonso, though, admits that if it stays dry in Sunday's 71-lap race, a podium finish is probably the best Ferrari can hope for - and that's if they can keep the Mercedes GP drivers at bay.

"I think we need to wait and see what the weather is doing," Alonso said.

"In a dry race we are maybe not competitive enough with McLaren and Red Bull. Realistically we understand it's more or less our position the last 10 races, being fifth and sixth.

"Here it seems even more obvious, this fifth and sixth. Even the Mercedes are a challenger for us as well, coming from behind. So in a normal race, not easy.

"From fifth we're dreaming of a podium in the race, if it rains Saturday or Sunday anything can happen, then it's much more open.

"Also if we had to choose maybe after today's practice the rain would be welcome I think for us."

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