Highlights

Schumacher wins European GP over Alonso

(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-08 08:54

The four were far ahead of the rest of the field. Rubens Barrichello of Honda finished in fifth, nearly a lap behind.

Last year, Schumacher had only a tainted triumph over a depleted field because of a tire dispute at the U.S. Grand Prix. He struggled while Alonso became the youngest driver to win the F1 title.

This season, Alonso leads the driver standings with 44 points after his third second-place finish of the season. Schumacher is second with 31 points. The next race is the Spanish Grand Prix on May 14.

"Second place is a fantastic result for us," Alonso said. "We were a little bit down compared to Ferrari's performance this weekend. To get the eight points means everything is OK, and means we should win again."

Massa was happy with third place.

"It was a great result for us, especially my first podium," Massa said. "I think it was a great result helping out for the championship."

Alonso led for the first 17 laps but could not shake Schumacher, who stayed about a second behind with Massa also within striking distance. After 25 laps, Raikkonen pitted. It was Alonso now two seconds ahead of Schumacher with Massa and Raikkonen following.

The lead changed on the second pit stop.

"I was controlling the pace a little bit," Alonso said. "The first pit it worked out. The second pit stop we were maybe 3-4 laps early and that was too much."

Alonso stopped on the 39th lap for fuel and tires. This time, Schumacher stayed out for two more laps, with nearly an empty fuel tank at high speed.

He gained enough of a gap to pit on the 41st lap and come out well ahead of Alonso.

"Obviously, we chose to stay out the extra laps," Schumacher said.

After Raikkonen pitted, Schumacher was nearly six seconds ahead in first place.