Fernando Alonso insists that his fourth spot in qualifying is not a big disappointment as it is in line with where the team expected to finish.
With many suggesting that new regulations regarding engine mapping would negatively impact Red Bull's show in qualifying, there had been hope in some quarters that Ferrari would be fighting for a place at the front of the grid.
However, the Red Bulls dominated once more and Alonso could only manage fourth, with team-mate Felipe Massa in fifth.
Alonso reveals that he was not surprised by Red Bull's continued Saturday excellence.
"I did not expect that the very slight change introduced to the rules would change the order of things and that was the case: Red Bull was and still is the favourite," he explained.
"We will see if at Silverstone, where there are more significant changes coming, something will happen, but we need to keep in mind that everyone or almost everyone will suffer a drop in performance."
With this in mind, the Spaniard insists that he is well placed for Sunday's race.
"I don't think this was a disappointing qualifying, because even if there were those outside the team who built up expectations, within it, we were well aware of the situation," said Alonso.
"The aim was to fight with the McLarens and we did just that. Maybe we had hoped to be ahead of both, but instead we find ourselves splitting the two drivers.
"I reckon that tomorrow we could see different strategies in terms of pitstops. Our aim is to finish on the podium and we are in with a chance.
"The development work on the car is progressing well, but we are a long way behind in terms of aerodynamics, which to put a time value on it means two or three months. It will not be easy to catch up but we will do all we can to succeed," he added.
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