• Spanish Grand Prix - FP2

The signs are positive - Alonso

Fernando Alonso: "I don't expect any great surprises compared to Bahrain" © Sutton Images

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Fernando Alonso is confident his Ferrari is performing well in all conditions at the Spanish Grand Prix but is still wary of his rivals' pace in qualifying.

Alonso was just 0.017s off Sebastian Vettel's fastest time in Friday practice after Ferrari brought a number of updates to its car. Alonso said the F138 appears to working well on both high and low fuel levels after looking competitive in both the wet FP1 session and the dry FP2.

"The signs from today are positive, as we were quick in both the morning and afternoon and the car seems to be well balanced on light and heavy fuel loads. But it is always premature to try and draw conclusions on a Friday when everything seems to be going well, because in the past we have seen how our competitors can take off in qualifying.

"We have a great deal of data to analyse this evening, especially because the rain in the morning meant we had to squeeze almost all our planned programme into the second session when it was dry. The feeling is definitely good and even though we are aware it won't be easy, we are sure we can fight it out with the best."

Alonso is expecting a four-way fight between Ferrari, Red Bull, Lotus and Mercedes but did not rule out McLaren and Force India.

"I don't expect any great surprises compared to Bahrain and I think the top group is now defined, with Red Bull, Mercedes, ourselves and Lotus, although we need to see how much McLaren manages to improve, while also keeping an eye on Force India, who have been very strong in qualifying and the race."

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