ISTANBUL, May 8 (Reuters) - Fernando Alonso said he was enjoying racing again after securing Ferrari's first podium finish of the Formula One season in Turkey on Sunday.
The Spaniard placed third at the Istanbul Park circuit after fighting Red Bull's Mark Webber for second spot in a race won by the Australian's world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel.
"We did a good weekend overall," Alonso, whose chances of a third title last year were scuppered by a strategic error by the team in the final race in Abu Dhabi, told reporters.
"The car performed a bit better than what we did in the first three races of the championship.
"Finally we enjoy racing again, and we enjoy a race fighting for the podium positions."
Ferrari, Formula One's most successful and glamorous team, had started the season with high hopes after a strong showing in testing. The first race in Australia was a let-down and the second in Malaysia rang alarm bells while China was another disappointment.
"It's been a very long time since we last saw one of our drivers on the podium and today, finally, we were able to," said team boss Stefano Domenicali.
Ferrari's last previous podium finish was Alonso's third place in Brazil last November.
"Fernando drove a very nice race, to crown a great weekend on his part. He did not put a foot wrong and was aggressive when he needed to be and prudent when he had to manage the situation," added the principal.
While Alonso was pleased, Ferrari also had to face up to their first no-score of the season with Brazilian Felipe Massa finishing 11th at a circuit where he won three years in a row in happier times.
Ferrari remained third overall, 83 points behind champions and leaders Red Bull.
The Spaniard placed third at the Istanbul Park circuit after fighting Red Bull's Mark Webber for second spot in a race won by the Australian's world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel.
"We did a good weekend overall," Alonso, whose chances of a third title last year were scuppered by a strategic error by the team in the final race in Abu Dhabi, told reporters.
"The car performed a bit better than what we did in the first three races of the championship.
"Finally we enjoy racing again, and we enjoy a race fighting for the podium positions."
Ferrari, Formula One's most successful and glamorous team, had started the season with high hopes after a strong showing in testing. The first race in Australia was a let-down and the second in Malaysia rang alarm bells while China was another disappointment.
"It's been a very long time since we last saw one of our drivers on the podium and today, finally, we were able to," said team boss Stefano Domenicali.
Ferrari's last previous podium finish was Alonso's third place in Brazil last November.
"Fernando drove a very nice race, to crown a great weekend on his part. He did not put a foot wrong and was aggressive when he needed to be and prudent when he had to manage the situation," added the principal.
While Alonso was pleased, Ferrari also had to face up to their first no-score of the season with Brazilian Felipe Massa finishing 11th at a circuit where he won three years in a row in happier times.
Ferrari remained third overall, 83 points behind champions and leaders Red Bull.
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