ISTANBUL, May 9, 2008 (AFP) - Double world champion Fernando Alonso was upbeat about his Renault team´s prospects after a strong performance in Friday´s practice for Sunday´s Turkish Grand Prix.

The Spanish former world champion was fourth in the morning and ninth in the afternoon, despite not being happy with his car´s balance.

He said he felt that Renault are in good condition and can deliver a strong race at the Istanbul Park track on Sunday.

He said: "The track conditions were certainly not ideal today, but they were the same for all the teams and did not disturb our programme too much.

"We still have to make a few more improvements tomorrow, especially with the general balance of the car, but today´s performance is encouraging for the rest of the weekend."

His Renault team-mate Nelson Piquet was only 16th in the second session, but was also confident that he would have a strong weekend.

"My day was pretty normal," he said. "I had quite a busy programme with set-up work this morning and tyre testing in the afternoon.

"The aim was to feel at home in the car and to try to improve the balance, and we managed to do this because we did not have any problems during the two sessions.

"Overall I think that we have prepared well, and I am determined to make the most of the final practice session tomorrow."