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Alonso becomes youngest Formula One champion
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-26 08:59

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Fernando Alonso must now find something else to aim for in Formula One. The 24-year-old Spaniard became the series' youngest champion by finishing third in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, having already been the youngest race winner and pole position winner.

Renault's Formula One driver Fernando Alonso (C) of Spain celebrates with his team's mechanics after finishing third in the Brazil Grand Prix in Sao Paulo September 25, 2005.
Renault's Formula One driver Fernando Alonso (C) of Spain celebrates with his team's mechanics after finishing third in the Brazil Grand Prix in Sao Paulo September 25, 2005. [Reuters]
"I need to find new targets because this one is done," Alonso said. "This is very important for me, my friends, my country and my family."

Alonso needed only a top-three finish in a race won by Juan Pablo Montoya of McLaren-Mercedes. Kimi Raikkonen, Montoya's teammate and the only other driver in contention for the championship, finished second on the 2.6-mile Interlagos circuit.

Michael Schumacher , whose five-year reign as Formula One champion ended, was fourth. Schumacher gave the new champion a hug and handshake while Alonso was doing interviews.

In 2003, Alonso became the youngest to take a pole position in Formula One at 21 and followed with a race victory at 22 a few months later. Now he's a champion.

"It was always a dream to win the Formula One title," Alonso said. "It's the maximum that I have ever achieved in my life."

Raikkonen had to finish fifth or better and hope that Alonso didn't complete the race. The Renault driver leads Raikkonen by 23 points with two races to go, the next the Japanese Grand Prix on Oct. 9.
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