• Indian Grand Prix
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Alonso 'extremely happy' with India podium

ESPNF1 Staff
October 30, 2011 « Vettel enjoys 'very smooth race' | Alguersuari delighted with eighth »
Fernando Alonso celebrates finishing third © Getty Images
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Fernando Alonso said he was extremely happy to be on the podium after he fought back from a slow start to pass Mark Webber after the second pit stop.

"Obviously we didn't make the perfect start today I think to be on a very new circuit and starting on the clean side we didn't have the grip we were expecting and I think the other side of the grid started a bit better than us so we lost a couple of positions there," said Alonso. "Then we raced with Mark until the second pit stop where a little bit surprisingly he decided to stop and then we did two extra laps and we were able to overtake so I'm extremely happy to be on the podium in this first race in India and to have this feeling and taste the champagne is always nice in the first race in a new country."

Despite his joy at making the podium, Alonso echoed the views of Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button afterwards in dedicating the race to Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli.

"As Sebastian and Jenson said it's mixed feelings this weekend with sad days for motorsport with two accidents. I think we all raced for them today and tried to go ahead and always remember these two fantastic people."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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