Ferrari's goal come Sunday will be to finish ahead of Mercedes with Fernando Alonso adding that a podium could even be possible.
The Spaniard, who is racing his back taped up after a 25G impact at the last race in Abu Dhabi, put his F138 up into sixth place for Sunday's race at the Circuit of the Americas.
It was an improved showing from Alonso who had not qualified higher than eighth in the last three races.
The double World Champion is now determined to turn his grid position into solid points as he looks to help Ferrari overhaul Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.
"I've had more impossible podiums in the past than this one," ESPNF1 quoted him as having said. "But I don't think it's fair to think about the podium now because we start sixth and we can touch it.
"If you asked me two hours ago I would say a podium was impossible, so let's concentrate on the start and the first lap, hopefully not losing any positions. Then I would be happy just to beat Mercedes.
"I am here racing just to help the team to get second in the Constructors' Championship. If I finish ahead of both Mercedes here and in Brazil then we have a high chance to do it, so tomorrow that is the main goal. If it's a podium even better but it is not the end of the world."
He added: "In a way our target in these two races for the Constructors' Championship.
"Today, after a difficult race so far, Nico [Rosberg] is 13th, Felipe [Massa] is 14th, [Lewis] Hamilton fifth and me sixth. So we are right there to fight them and try to beat them.
"Tomorrow is the time to deliver and at least we are in a position to do so."