Alonso: No idea where we stand

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso says he has "no idea" who is on top because at least four teams have a shot at claiming pole position in Bahrain.

Four different outfits occupied the top six places at the Sakhir circuit on Friday morning while five featured in the top six later in the afternoon. However, only one, McLaren, was in the top six in both sessions.

The results have left Alonso, who is gearing up for his first grand prix as a Ferrari driver, wondering just which team is the one to beat.

"No idea. I think it's still a complete unknown for everybody," he told Autosport. "For sure the four big teams, any of them can be quick tomorrow, can be on pole.

"I'm sure there will be some surprises like Force India that it seems very quick in these type of circuits, and some negative surprises with some people that are not so quick.

"In our expectations we still hope to be in strong form in qualifying and hopefully get a good position for the race."

As for his own performance, the Spaniard finished second in the first session, 0.183 of the pace, but dropped to ninth in the second, 1.731 behind Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg.

"It was fine," said the double World Champ. "We tried to do some tire work to try to understand the two types of tires.

"It was the first day we ran the car in hot conditions so there were some things to evaluate and to make sure the car is running okay for Sunday. So a normal Friday to make sure we are well prepared for qualifying.

"More or less I think we are in a position to attack now 100 per cent. We are confident with the car. We need to make some changes overnight to improve the grip a bit. But it was a very normal Friday, with nothing wrong."