BUDAPEST, Aug 1, 2008 (AFP) - Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso on Friday was quietly confident his Renault team can win a podium finish in Sunday´s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The French team put in a good showing in Friday´s practice session, with Nelson Piquet of Brazil posting the second-fastest time while Spaniard Alonso was fourth quickest.

"It was a typical day of practice with a lot of laps covered and lots of data to analyse this evening to be ready for tomorrow," said Alonso, who sits ninth in the drivers´ championship on 13.

"But, overall, I felt we improved the car very well and we are moving in the right direction. We still have a few things to improve."

He added: "If we can make the most of the final free practice session tomorrow morning, we should be able to approach qualifying in good shape and, then, who knows what might happen on Sunday?"

Piquet, who scored the team´s first podium of the season in Germany two weeks ago, was also pleased with his day.

"Our free practice programme went well and we have made progress. The car was reacting well to the different set-up solutions that we tried and so I am quite satisfied with the day´s work.

"The track changed a lot during the day and it´s quite a demanding place with lots of corners, but I enjoyed driving the circuit and I hope things continue like this tomorrow."

Renault´s head of engineering Pat Symonds admitted they were running a light fuel load, but he was still encouraged by their form.

"It was a very productive first day here in Hungary. On this circuit, where qualifying is particularly important, it´s no secret that our fuel load was slightly lower than normal, but even so we look competitive," he said.

"Our main focus was to understand the tyres and in particular the effect of graining. All in all it was a successful day for us."