Alonso fears Ferrari failure

Alonso: Italian Open next up

With this points system and the way races swing one way or another, I am convinced we still have a significant chance. There are 150 points up for grabs, enough to turn the situation around. We must remain calm and concentrate, to try and make up the difference as soon as possible.

Fernando Alonso
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Fernando Alonso admits Ferrari can ill-afford another failure when they race in the Italian Grand Prix.

Alonso has slipped off the title pace after crashing out in Belgium on Sunday and the Spaniard fears another point-less finish will severely damage his chances of clinching a third drivers' championship.

The 29-year-old thrust himself back into contention just before the summer break by winning in Germany and claiming second in Hungary, but he now trails leader Lewis Hamilton by 41 points after falling foul in Spa after 37 laps.

And with six races remaining, Alonso is aware another error for Ferrari in front of their own fans next weekend could have serious repercussions on team morale for the remainder of the season.

"There is no denying the Monza race will be very important," said the Ferrari driver.

"At our home circuit we will have to do everything to avoid losing any more points. A good result would be a great boost.

"But if things go badly, although it won't be over, it would be a hard knock for team morale.

"But with this points system and the way races swing one way or another, I am convinced we still have a significant chance.

"There are 150 points up for grabs, enough to turn the situation around. We must remain calm and concentrate, to try and make up the difference as soon as possible."

Payback time

Alonso feels luck has deserted him, as witnessed in Belgium when he was forced into a pit stop at the end of the first lap after Rubens Barrichello slid into him.

"It seems that this year the opening laps have not gone too well for me," added Alonso.

"In five races out of 13 I have found myself slipping to the back, either because of our own mistakes or because of circumstances beyond our control, as was the case in Belgium.

"I have always said - and I repeat it now - that in the course of the season, good and bad luck tend to balance one another out. So let's hope from now on it's payback time."