Fernando Alonso admits his P3 in Hungarian qualifying was the best he could do as Red Bull dominated the show.
The Bulls easily claimed the 1-2 in Budapest on Saturday afternoon with Alonso the best of the rest in third place. However, the Spaniard was over a second slower than pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel.
Nonetheless, he was happy with his performance, especially as he qualified ahead of both McLarens, who are leading the Championship.
"I am pleased with my qualifying lap and with the performance of our car, as I don't think I could have done better today," said Alonso.
"The Red Bulls proved to be very strong and the gap to them is certainly a surprise.
"Having said that, we have to remain focussed on our work and try to do the maximum, aiming at getting on the podium. We must bear in mind that the leaders in both Championships are behind us on the grid and our aim is to make up ground on their points total."
Starting from third place on the grid, though, does offer Alonso one advantage in that he is on the clean side of the track, which he hopes he can put to good use.
"The start will be very important," said the double World Champ and winner of last weekend's rather controversial German GP.
"Usually at this track, starting on the clean side brings a clear advantage, but this year we have seen good starts from the dirty side and bad ones from the clean: it will be vital to do everything as well as possible and then we will see where we are at the end of the first lap.
"At that point we can also decide whether to have an attacking race or to manage the situation. The circuit is very demanding for cars and drivers and you must not lose concentration for a moment."
