It was another near miss for McLaren-Honda in qualifying today in Russia, with both cars failing to make it into Q3.
While Jenson Button was the closest to enter the top-10, Fernando Alonso finished the session down in 14th, just a tenth behind his team mate. But the Spaniard is still seeing progress.
"I think we have been more competitive this weekend," he said.
"Unfortunately in qualifying it was very tight and two tenths can mean Q3 or 14th and we are the 14th guy unfortunately. We have been unlucky but hopefully we can recover the places and be in the points."
Alonso is confident of a good showing in tomorrow's race, but also admits that McLaren-Honda may have to count on the misfortune of others to collect any good points.
"Jenson will be a good fight and we'll see with the others. We are definitely more competitive race after race and I think the points will be a possibility.
"It will depend on the strategy, and we'll need some help from the others. In China we were competitive but 22 cars finished the race so we'll need some help tomorrow.
"I think this race helps us grow and move forward but the points are still difficult to do. There are competitive teams out there.
"We will try our best but we need some help from the others. We are not fighting for the championship so our aim is to keep improving and be competitive as soon as possible."
REPORT: Rosberg takes pole as ERS problem hits Hamilton
AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix - Qualifying
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