Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso believes that he now faces a "difficult" challenge in trying to secure the runners-up spot in the 2011 standings, after losing more ground to Jenson Button despite a podium finish in India.
Alonso is one of four drivers mathematically in the fight for the runners-up spot behind Sebastian Vettel, and took third place in the Indian Grand Prix on Sunday.But he came home behind Button, who extended his lead over the Spaniard to 13 points, and Alonso admitted after the race that it would be a challenge to overhaul the McLaren man.
"It's nice to jump on the podium for India's debut in Formula 1 and I'm pleased to have a new trophy to take home," he smiled pleasantly.
"After this race, second place in the Drivers' championship is still possible, but it will be very difficult because McLaren is on great form at the moment, even if the gap is only 13 points.
"We are aware that on paper, we are behind the two Red Bulls and two McLarens: then, if something unusual happens, we can make it to the podium."
He added that he had been impressed with the team throughout the Indian weekend, especially in resolving a problem with his front wing, which popped up just before the start of the race.
"Today, the team was fantastic, managing to fix a problem on the front wing which was only identified twenty minutes before the start," he smiled.
As for his race, he added: "At the start, I did not get away particularly well and so Button was able to pass me. Then I tried to stay close to Webber and when he slowed down a bit.
"I closed right up and, staying out on track a few laps longer than him, I was able to get ahead of him. Being patient paid off."
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali added that the race had been "bitter sweet" for the team, with Alonso's podium a positive, but Felipe Massa's retirement a negative.
"The result of this grand prix could be described as bitter sweet," the Italian muttered.
"On the one hand, there is the satisfaction of seeing Fernando on the podium, which given our current situation in this last run of races, represents our most realistic target.
"Once again, the Spaniard drove a great race, fighting lap after lap to bring home another trophy to add to his collection."
But he added: "On the other hand, there's disappointment for what happened to Felipe, who could have got a good finish, given the pace the Brazilian was demonstrating."
Domenicali also admitted that the team had not been able to challenge for the win in India, but said that he still felt the team was learning lessons for 2012.
"It's true we did not have the pace to fight for the win, but I think everything we are doing in these final races will have a great importance when it comes to the 2012 season," he insisted.
"We are learning a lot and we have to continue like this for the two remaining Grands Prix this year."
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