Fernando Alonso Takes Checkered Flag in Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix

Topics:  , Fernando Alonso

VOA Sports
March 20, 2005

Renault won its second consecutive Formula One auto race Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso of Spain taking the checkered flag after starting in the pole position.

Renault also won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix earlier this month with Alonso's teammate, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, winning from the pole.

In today's race, the 23-year-old Alonso earned his second career victory in one hour, 31 minutes and 33.736 seconds -- the time it took him to complete 56 laps around the 5.542-kilometer Sepang circuit.

Italian Jarno Trulli, driving for Toyota, finished 24.3 seconds behind Alonso in second place - the first podium finish for Toyota since entering Formula One racing in 2002.

Germany's Nick Heidfeld finished in third place, behind the wheel of a Williams car. Colombia's Juan Pablo Montoya was fourth for McLaren, and Ralf Schumacher of Germany placed fifth for Toyota.

Seven was not a lucky number for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher of Germany, who drove his Ferrari to a disappointing seventh-place finish after beginning from the seventh position on the grid.