Jenson Button was left frustrated following his exit from Q2, the McLaren driver believing he had the pace to access a spot in Q3.
Indeed, both Alonso and Button appeared to be ramping up their speed, with good performances in Q1, but a sudden red flag caused by Force India's Nico Hulkenberg losing a wheel put a premature end to their efforts as the session was not restarted.
"Tough qualifying," said a disappointing Jenson Button. "You wait until the circuit is at its best to use the new tyre, we had it nice and ready to go, but like a few other people we got unlucky."
Clearly, although circumstances have been unlucky, optimism is rising in the McLaren camp with Button claiming it's only a matter of time before its drivers are in a position to show their equipment's true potential.
"In the next few races, it will happen, we will get the best out of this car."
Still, with a three-compound strategy thrown into the mix blended with a little circumstantial luck, Button remains hopeful of achieving a good result tomorrow.
"The one bonus about not being in the top 10 is that we can choose our tyres. The wind also plays a big part here, if it's ahead wind on the back straight they're could be a lot of overtaking in the race which is good.
"And with three different types of tyre compound it makes it rather interesting. So we'll see what we can do."
Rosberg beats Ricciardo to pole as Hamilton falls in Q1
AS IT HAPPENED: Chinese Grand Prix - Qualifying
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