Alonso not giving up

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso says he can still win this year's Formula One championship despite sitting 41 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton.

Despite setting the pace during practice for last week's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Alonso failed to finish the race after spinning out of control in the closing stages.

The two-time world champion now sits fifth in the standings on 141 points, trailing leader Hamilton who is on 182, Mark Webber on 179, Sebastian Vettel on 151 and Jenson Button on 147. But Alonso is adamant that the title is still his for the taking.

"There are 150 points up for grabs, enough to turn the situation around. We must remain calm and concentrate and try and make up the difference," Alonso wrote in his blog.

"With this points system and the way races swing one way or another, I am convinced we still have a significant chance."

Next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza now looms as a season-defining one for Alonso, and he is looking forward to the challenge.

"There is no denying that the Monza race will be very important. At our home circuit we will have to do everything to avoid losing any more points," he wrote.

"A good result here would be a great boost. If things go badly, it won't be over but it would be a hard knock for team morale."