Alonso tempers Aston Martin expectations: 'You never know until qualifying'

Alonso points out that his team in Bahrain also seemed to be the clear second behind Red Bull Racing, but the balance of power proved different in qualifying. "In Bahrain we were okay on Fridays and then we were five, nearly six (tenths behind) in qualifying. So you never know until we got to qualifying," he said in conversation with Sky Sports.

At the end of the first two free practice sessions, Aston Martin still did not have the car quite how Alonso wanted it. "I think is still not an ideal balance. So we still need to chase a little bit of grip tonight. But yeah, so far so good. It's another good start," continued the 41-year-old Spaniard.

Alonso on expectations Jeddah

As to whether Aston Martin will be able to maintain its current lead over Ferrari to become the second team again, Alonso cannot answer the question based on the free practice sessions in Jeddah. "I just drive the car and In qualifying, I see where I am," he says simply.

"But obviously there are a lot of free practice. A lot of days between races, a lot of data to analyze and a lot of predictions and estimations for you guys to do," the two-time world champion laughs. "So, that's the beauty of Formula one as well. But for us teams or drivers it is difficult to read anything on free practices."