Alonso: I was 100 percent sure of a podium

Fernando Alonso made a rocket start from eight on the grid with the lead in sight before his McLaren was T-boned by the out of control Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.

Alonso recovered but the damage to his car forced the team to retire him on lap 8 of the race, but the Spaniard was adamant that a podium was on the cards, and perhaps even a victory, on the night.

Afterwards Alonso told reporters, "I was 100 percent sure of a podium. The question is whether we could have fought for a victory."

As for the incident, he said, "I didn't see much unfortunately. Everything happened in the inside and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately this race we had a lot of hopes."

"In wet conditions I think we are very strong as well and arguably we could be leading the race. It was an amazing start from the car, the launch was very good today. We missed this opportunity and we need to hope for better luck in Malaysia," added Alonso.