Highlights

Schumacher wins duel with Alonso

(AP)
Updated: 2006-04-24 07:12

IMOLA, Italy _ Overtaking at the San Marino Grand Prix is about as difficult as passing another car on the narrow, single-lane country roads that surround the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit.

Ferrari Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany celebrates after winning the San Marino Grand Prix in the Italian town of Imola April 23, 2006. [Reuters]

Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso know the routine all too well.

Schumacher held off Alonso for nearly half of the 62 laps in a duel to the finish Sunday, recording his seventh win at Imola and the 85th of his career.

A year ago, the roles were reversed and Alonso beat Schumacher by blocking the Ferrari driver over the final 12 laps.

"Luckily this is a circuit where we know from last year that overtaking is almost impossible unless you make a mistake," Schumacher said. "You study who is behind, and where are the moments where it could get critical to prepare yourself just for those areas."

Schumacher earned the 66th pole position of his career on Saturday to break the record he shared with Ayrton Senna.

Alonso started five cars behind but, by the 35th lap, he was on Schumacher's tail. The Spaniard tried to pass Schumacher on laps 37 and 40 _ but Schumacher blocked both attempts.

Alonso went into the pits on the 40th lap, while Schumacher came in one lap later and managed to come out just in front of the Renault driver. Schumacher's mistake-free driving and Imola's narrow track prevented any serious attacks from Alonso the rest of the way.

"I waited for an opportunity and it didn't come," Alonso said. "We were still the quickest on the track today, so it looks good for the championship."

Alonso leads the drivers' standings with 36 points. Schumacher moved up to second with 21.

Alonso had planned to take his second pit stop later, but changed strategy when he got stuck behind Schumacher.