Fernando Alonso not sad about title near-misses

Alonso won in 2005 and 2006 with Renault but he has played bridesmaid to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in recent seasons, finishing runner-up twice in the past three years.u00a0And the Spaniard, 32, is on course for another second spot behind the German this year - but he said he was proud of his efforts during his four seasons so far with Ferrari.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso

"I have finished second three times in recent years, which could be considered sad, when you are so close to winning, but I am extremely proud of what I am doing now," he said.

"Three times I have fought for the world championship. If I didn't get it, it's not exactly mathematics," added Alonso ahead of the Indian GP. There was one team and one driver better than us in these four years. They deserve it and we congratulate them."

Alonso is currently 90 points behind Vettel, who is expected to wrap up his fourth straight world title this weekend at Buddh International Circuit.