Alonso to exploit championship risk podium pursuit

Fernando Alonso believes expected rainfall at the Japanese Grand Prix will allow Alpine to take greater risks than those ahead with championship concerns to consider.

The Spaniard will line up seventh on F1's return to Suzuka after a three-year absence as the French manufacturer displayed stunning speed, Alonso's team-mate Esteban Ocon finishing fifth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes.

Rain is threatening to fall during the grand prix with Alonso showing quick comfort in such conditions, topping FP1 on Friday.

Addressing his qualifying performance, Alonso said: "One-tenth and a half to Esteban, I take it. It is the way it is.

"I feel quite comfortable with the car this weekend in all track conditions so we are ready for anything that comes tomorrow.

"Let's see.

"In wet conditions, we are more competitive than dry, so that would maybe be a little better but probably mixed conditions, dry, wet... the people in front of us are fighting for the championship so cannot take too many risks, we can."

Ocon full of praise for Alpine upgrades

Ocon arrived at the circuit on Saturday morning knowing that he would be joined by Pierre Gasly next season.

Yet the Frenchman was laser-focused on his qualifying exploits and reaped the rewards of Alpine's Singapore upgrades to take the top-five spot.

"It feels good, very happy to qualify in the top five," hailed Ocon.

"In Singapore, we couldn't really show the performance we had in bringing the updates.

"But here, clearly the car is fast. I had a couple of good laps in qualifying... I still feel there was a little bit left but not enough to catch the Red Bull in front.

"We still have a bit of work to do there but great to be back and great to have two cars in the top 10."

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