Forested mountains cascade down to the lake shore, the mist-covered peak of Mount Nkungwe rises up in the background and crystal-clear waters teeming with fish lap against white sand coves.
Alonso's quickest lap lifted him clear of second-placed Sebastien Buemi of Toro Rosso with local hero Rubens Barrichello of Brawn GP third -- as he aims for the victory that will keep his slim world title hopes alive.