A very tough race, admits Alonso

Fernando Alonso came home sixth in front of his home crowd in Spain on Sunday to add three points to his 2009 score from the European Grand Prix. The Renault driver retired from the race on the first lap last year but admitted that this season's result had been achieved under difficult circumstances.

With the midfield very much bloodthirsty this season and temperatures soaring in the Mediterranean city, Alonso was the leading Renault once again. "Sixth place was the best I could do today for my home Grand Prix and the three points are a good result considering that we started eighth," the 2005 and 2006 World Champion said after the event.

"It was a very tough race, first of all because of the heat but also because it was a very competitive race and I had to push all the way, constantly fighting to keep my position; we have been quick all weekend and therefore I'm quite confident that we can keep up this pace and deliver an even better result at Spa."

Source: GP Update