Alonso not desperate for runner-up title

It is billed as one of the remaining points of interest in 2011, but Fernando Alonso insists he is not overly interested in finishing the season as runner-up.

Behind world champion Sebastian Vettel, four drivers are in mathematical contention for second place in the drivers’ standings — Jenson Button, Alonso, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton.

The favourite is McLaren’s Button, who said after extending his lead over Alonso in India to 13 points that second place "would mean something".

"It would mean I had beaten a Red Bull and Fernando in a Ferrari. I will look back and think that most weekends I did the best I possibly could and got the best out of the car," said the Briton.

Slightly less eager is Spaniard Alonso.

"As everybody knows, next year is our main target. Ok, finishing second is maybe better than finishing fifth," he said, "but it’s not a big priority for us. If I finish second it’s ok, if I finish fourth it’s ok.