Alonso says top 10 possible for improved McLaren

The team has introduced several aerodynamic updates, as well as an upgraded Honda engine, for the Austin weekend.

Although the lack of running has meant it is hard to tell where McLaren stands, Alonso reckons the team is in a position to do better than normal given the tricky conditions.

"I think so," said Alonso when asked if there was a chance to do better than usual. "I really feel that we have a good chance tomorrow if conditions stay like this.

"I don't know if top ten or not, but it will be quite an achievement if we can do it, but we can be close to that spot."

He added: "I think the track is a little bit better for us. The wet conditions probably equal a little bit more the power effect and the improvements on the car are always working and moving the performance closer to the competitors, so I am looking forward to tomorrow.

"I felt happy and confident in the car, and we didn't run much to save the tyres and hopefully tomorrow we will have an opportunity."

The Spanish driver lamented the lack of running today after qualifying was postponed to Sunday.

"There was nothing to do," he said. "Waiting for the final decision, but already in FP3 the conditions were quite tricky. So qualifying was impossible to run and hopefully tomorrow we get a chance in qualifying and the race to show our potential.

"I believe here is a little bit better than other races, so maybe there is an opportunity to get some points this weekend and we have to take it."