Distraught Alonso says sixth was possible

The Spanish driver had taken advantage of the characteristics of the Monte Carlo circuit to have its most competitive showing to day this year up until Q2.

However, as Alonso was starting his first flying lap in the second qualifying segment, his car suffered an electrical failure and shut down.

"Everything went black and we couldn't continue," said Alonso, who will start from 14th on the grid following a penalty for Romain Grosjean.

"It's a big shame because we knew this qualifying was very important, because if we start from 15th tomorrow there are basically a train of cars and you are just following them. We have to improve for the next one.

"I think this morning the only lap I did without traffic I was third. Third was not realistic but sixth or seventh would have been possible today.

"We have to improve in every area, and the reliability too. We knew we are a bit fragile at the moment."

The McLaren driver admitted all chance of a good result has now gone.

"I already said it on Thursday. The race finishes on Saturday and on Sunday it's just a procession of cars. Logically it will be a bit boring.

"We can't expect much. It's the Monaco GP. If you start from 16th and everything is normal, you finish 16th."