Highlights

Alonso wins Monaco GP; Schumacher 5th

(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-29 09:19

MONTE CARLO, Monaco - There isn't much left for Fernando Alonso to accomplish in Formula One.

Renault's Fernando Alonso of Spain points to a Michelin cap after winning the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo May 28, 2006. Edouard Michelin, the co-managing partner of the French tire company that bears his family name, was killed Friday in a boating accident. [Reuters]

He won the world title last season at 24. He won in his native Spain and got to give King Juan Carlos a ride.

And on Sunday he won the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We did it," Alonso said.

The victory in Monte Carlo gave Alonso his second victory in a row, and his fourth this season.

"This is a special place for any driver to win a race, for the history, for what it represents to Formula One and because it is such a big challenge to get through the race with no mistakes," Alonso said.

And with the quick start this season, there is the distinct possibility of another season title.

"In seven races, four wins and three seconds is a perfect start, and if I keep doing that in the next seven, then probably the championship will look very good."

In Sunday's race, Alonso was followed by Juan Pablo Montoya of McLaren-Mercedes and David Coulthard of Red Bull. It was the first podium for Red Bull in an F1 race.

Ironically, it was a future McLaren driver, a current McLaren driver and a past McLaren driver on the podium. Alonso heads to McLaren next year, and Coulthard won the Monaco race twice for McLaren.

Rubens Barrichello in a Honda was fourth with Michael Schumacher of Ferrari fifth and Giancarlo Fisichella sixth in a Renault.

The victory 12th of Alonso's career. He has 64 points with Schumacher on 43 going into the June 11 British Grand Prix. Raikkonen and Fisichella are tied for third with 27.

Alonso's task was made easier when Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren, last year's winner, dropped out and five-time Monaco champion Schumacher was penalized before the race began.