Emotional Alonso hails best ever win
VALENCIA (AFP) - Local hero Fernando Alonso sparked more Spanish celebrations yesterday when he became the first man to win two Formula One races this year by driving his Ferrari to victory in the European Grand Prix.
Less than 24 hours after his national soccer team had secured their place in the semi-finals at Euro 2012, the two-time drivers' champion gave a sun-basking crowd in Valencia every reason to enjoy another party.
Alonso, who picked up a Spanish flag to wave on his victorious slowing down lap, came home first ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus and third-placed seven-time champion Michael Schumacher of Mercedes.
Mark Webber, who started 19th, came home fourth for Red Bull ahead of Nico Hulkenberg and Nico Rosberg who was sixth for Mercedes.
“I cannot put into words the special feeling of winning your home Grand Prix,” said Alonso, whose namesake Xabi Alonso scored both goals to see Spain past France at the Euro quarter-finals.
The Spaniard, who drove a superb
I cannot put into words the special feeling of winning your home Grand Prix,” said Alonso, whose namesake Xabi Alonso scored both goals to see Spain past France at the Euro quarter-finals
race from 11th on the grid, added: “It is unique and special.
“The stands were full of colour and Spanish flags and, after the footballers won at Euro 2012, I am feeling very proud to be Spanish at the moment. This is possibly the best victory I have ever had.” Alonso's win lifted him to the top of the drivers' championship standings with 111 points ahead of Webber on 91 with Hamilton now third on 88, having come into the race as the leader.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali was ecstatic and said: “It was an unbelievable race and, for me, it is important that we kept the pace.