World championship leader Sebastian Vettel and home favourite Fernando Alonso both played down the significance of their performances on Friday after they had dominated proceedings on the opening day of practice for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The 31-year-old Spaniard, who was fastest for Ferrari in the morning and then narrowly second quickest behind the triple world champion's Red Bull in the afternoon, said he remained optimistic of realising his dream, but conceded it would be difficult.

Spanish Formula One Grand Prix third free practice times here Saturday:

Montmelo, Spain, May 11 (EFE).- German Mercedes-Benz driver Nico Rosberg grabbed pole position for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, while Spain's Fernando Alonso, who drives for Ferrari, will start fifth. Rosberg snagged the third pole of his career with a time of 1:20.718 in Saturday's qualifying session at the Circuit de Catalunya; he also started first in the previous Formula One race, held three weekends ago in Bahrein, but finished a disappointing ninth. Rosberg will be joined on the front row by teammate Lewis Hamilton, who posted a time of 1:20.972.

Defending world champion and championship leader Sebastian Vettel said he was satisfied with qualifying third on Saturday for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix. The world championship leading German, in his Red Bull, was unable to keep pace with the two Mercedes driven by pole sitter Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. He said: "I am quite happy to be honest. Yesterday and this morning I was really happy, and I think we improved the car so I think we are in good shape." Only once has a driver who failed to qualifying on the front row won the race.