Spanish Alonso makes history in Formula One

Spanish Formula One (F-1) pilot Sunday became the youngest participant, and first Spanish to become world champion by finishing third in the Grand Prix of Brazil, won by Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

Twenty-four-year-old Alonso, racing for Renault, shook millions of Spanish who witnessed his Formula One feat.

According to Spanish governmental sources, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulated over the phone Fernando Alonso. The conversation extended over 10 minutes and in it the Spanish leader congratulated Renault as well.

Also, King Juan Carlos of Spain made a telephone call to Alonsoto congratulate him, telling the young driver his country "experienced a great day" because of his victory, said the Spanish radio.

In spite of the third place in the Grand Prix of Brazil, Alonso accumulated 117 points, and surpassed by 23 points his closest rival, Finish Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren-Mercedes), to become the youngest World Championship winner.

These results come when there remain two more races this season. Alonso became the 28th world champion in the F-1 history.

Before Alonso, the youngest Formula One winner was Emerson Fittipaldi, from Brazil, who in 1972 won his the first of his two championships.

The Grand Prix of Brazil, at Sao Paulo, consists of 71 laps and is the 16th race of the 18 contests of the Formula One seson. This year, Montoya ended first, Raikkonen second, Alonso third and German Michael Schumacher fourth.

Source: Xinhua