• Japanese Grand Prix

Alonso delighted with points record

Fernando Alonso spent the first part of the race stuck behind Felipe Massa but eventually finished fourth © Getty Images

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Fernando Alonso says it's only a matter of time until Sebastian Vettel wins the drivers' championship but is delighted to become the leading points-scorer in Formula One.

Vettel's victory in the Japanese Grand Prix was not enough to hand him the title as Alonso finished in fourth place to ensure the championship continues until the Indian Grand Prix. While Alonso said he's not paying attention to the drivers' standings he intends to celebrate becoming the leading scorer in the sport's history.

"Even if Vettel doesn't finish all the races I need to win nearly all of them so I think it's a matter of time," Alonso said. "It's true that we have different goals now like the constructors' championship; today with the problems for Mercedes we are in a better position and also today they told me I have the record of points in history so it's a happy day.

"Leading the score in one sport like Formula One is something great. I know the points system change some years ago but when someone overtakes me in the points no-one will remember the points system so let's try to enjoy the moment and have a little celebration tonight."

Asked if he was surprised to rise from eighth on the grid to fourth in the race, Alonso replied: "A little bit, yes.

"We had some strong people in front of us and we had a threat from people behind like Kimi [Raikkonen] who was starting ninth. But the race went well, from the start we recovered some positions and then we've been a little bit lucky with some Mercedes problems - both going backwards - so I think it was a good race in terms of points for the constructors' championship.

"In terms of pace we didn't have the pace to be on the podium but after those three we have been very competitive in the race."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.