Fernando Alonso delighted following another positive qualifying performance.

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, when the Spaniard - and his teammate - smiled, it was clear that behind the grin there was growing frustration. The continued 'we're making progress' soundbites didn't add up, and one wondered how much longer either of them could take it.

Whilst the McLaren-Honda isn't set to worry Mercedes, Ferrari or red Bull today, the team is making progress, Alonso making it to Q3 for the third consecutive race, and Jenson Button only missing out by a fraction.

This time around, when the Spaniard says 'we're making progress', you believe him.

"We are very happy," he told the official F1 website. "The team did an amazing job in the last twelve months. We are in a better position than we expected.

"Today in qualifying we have been ahead of one of the Force Indias, which a couple of months ago was difficult to imagine. Also we are only four-tenths behind Ferrari. This is something that gives everyone a boost here at the track and back home in the factory."

So what of today's race?

"First of all we are very happy having managed to be in Q3 for the third consecutive time, especially here where we did not expect this to happen with so many long straights.

"If it rains this might be good for our package and help us to have a better race pace. We are ready for any opportunity and we are ready to fight, as we do not have anything to lose.

"We've had to make difficult decisions all weekend long so far, especially to find the right downforce with the rear wing to balance the straight-line and corner speed. We chose to be a little bit quicker in the corners, and not on the straights, hoping that this will pay off, hopefully scoring us some points.

"Of course experience is important here," he adds, " to keep a healthy gap between your car and the walls! This is also a tricky circuit and with the conditions we have and the level of grip in these mixed conditions, you need to keep calm to be able to bring the car to the chequered flag.

"I have been racing here for years and hopefully I know some tricks that the young guys don’t know. I am ready for a good surprise!"

It has been claimed that McLaren will make further strides as the season progresses and will become the team to watch.

"In general it depends on the layout of the circuit," says the Spaniard. "Here we are a bit concerned about our race pace, and there is some fuel saving to do well. I think that we will have some better opportunities here.

"I believe overall there are better circuits to come for us to show the state of our improvements," he concluded.