WORLD champion Fernando Alonso qualified fifth on the grid for tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix, just ahead of his team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

The two Enstone-built Renaults will line up behind both Ferraris - their direct championship rivals - and the Toyota team on row two.

A Renault spokesman said: "While this position translates a substantial deficit in first lap performance, the team hopes that the consistency of the Michelin tyres will pay in tomorrow's race, and allow them to fight on equal terms as race strategies play out.

Alonso said: "We more or less knew that qualifying would be difficult for us after this morning's practice session, because we didn't have enough pace on one lap.

"We have done the maximum though, and I am the leading Michelin car - with Fisi right alongside me. The car feels good to drive round here, so now we have to believe in the Michelin tyres and their consistency in the race. Of course, the position is not ideal for the championship fight - but we have seen big turnarounds already this season."

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa starts from pole position alongside Michael Schumacher. They will be followed at the front of the grid by the Toyotas of Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli, who achieved an incredible third and fourth place after a terrible Chinese Grand Prix last weekend.