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| Renault's World Champion Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates on the podium after winning the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai October 16, 2005. (Reuters) |
Spaniard Fernando Alonso won the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to hand Renault their first Formula Oneconstructor's title on top of the driver's championship he took last month.
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen finished +second, the Mercedes-powered team's hopesdraining awaywhen Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya hit a loosemanhole coverand retired less than halfway through the race.
Renault finished the longest season in the sport's history, 19 races, with 191 points to McLaren's 182.
The victory was the seventh of a phenomenal season for the 24-year-old Alonso, who became the sport's youngest champion in Brazil last month, allowing him to equal Raikkonen's haul of victories.
"For the team it has been a fantastic season," said the Spaniard, who soaked a beaming team boss Flavio Briatore with champagne on thepodium.
"Winning the constructors' was not crucial but quite important for the team for their motivation for next year.
"I am a little bit frustrated that I only won seven races...I think the car had the potential to win 10 or 11."
(Agencies) |
Updated: 2005-10-17 11:07
