• 2005 Germany Grand Prix

Alonso benefits from McLaren misfortune

David Addison
July 24, 2005
Alonso and Briatore celebrate in Germany © Sutton Images
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The German Grand Prix prompted a result similar to that of the European GP, also held in Germany, earlier in the year.

In the European race, Kimi Raikkonen's suspension failure gave victory to Fernando Alonso's Renault. In the German GP, Raikkonen's McLaren suffered a hydraulics failure which gifted the lead - and the win - to Alonso.

"I'm delighted with this win. We knew that the McLarens had the pace but we have been reliable all year. We just need to find more pace now," he said.

Raikkonen led Alonso on lap one, the Spaniard thinking of points and not pushing too hard against the fast but fragile McLaren. All was looking well for the Finn until the car slithered to a halt on lap 36 with the hydraulics dead. That allowed Alonso into the lead where he stayed until the end of the race. Second place fell to Juan Pablo Montoya who had been delayed by Jarno Trulli's Toyota during the race. Trulli's increasing lack of co-operation for quicker cars was exponential to the car's decreasing pace. He copped a drive-through penalty for holding up the Colombian.

Jenson Button took third for Honda suggesting things were on the up, while Giancarlo Fisichella's fourth place helped to extend Renault's advantage in the Constructors' Championship.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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