The Spanish driver and McLaren reached Q2 for the first time this season and will start from 14th position after the most promising weekend of the year so far for the Spaniard.

Alonso reckons, however, that he will need the drivers in front of him to hit trouble if he is to score on Sunday.

"It's sad to be happy about making it into Q2," joked Alonso.

"It's more likely [to score] when you start closer to them, but I think we are still lacking something.

"Something would have to happen in the race to reach the points, but if everything is normal it will be hard."

The two-time champion insisted he is still encouraged by the progress McLaren is making.

"Everything we add to the car works. You have to learn to walk before you run, and we are doing step by step, but I have no doubts that the direction is the right one."

Teammate Jenson Button will start from the bottom of the grid after failing to set a time.