SUZUKA, Mie Pref. — Ferrari's Fernando Alonso says the team must step up its efforts at the Japanese Grand Prix to maintain its push for the Formula One championship.
Alonso heads into this weekend's race with some momentum after winning the last two in Italy and Singapore and rising to second in the drivers' championship standings — 11 points behind current leader Mark Webber of Red Bull.
"These two consecutive wins have reduced the gap that had built up but we are definitely not leading yet," Alonso said on Ferrari's official website. "Now it starts getting serious, we will have to experience some pain and it is time for everyone to give their all, without taking a single backward step."