Formula 1: Fernando Alonso of Ferrari wins European Grand Prix in Spain

Fernando Alonso of Ferrari has moved into the Formula 1 world championship lead after winning the European Grand Prix in Spain today, the BBC reported.

According to the Associated Press, Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus finished second while Mercedes’s Michael Schumacher was third, marking his first time on the podium since returning to the sport in 2010.

Alonso’s 29th career victory makes him the first driver to win two races this year.

It was an impressive win by the Spaniard, after starting 11th on a track that is notoriously difficult to overtake, the Guardian said.

“This is the best victory I've ever felt in terms of emotion," an emotional Alonso was quoted by the Guardian as saying.

"I feel very proud to be Spanish today. It's an amazing feeling."

The win has lifted Alonso, 30, into first place in the points standings ahead of Red Bull driver Mark Webber, CNN reported.

Lewis Hamilton, who crashed out of the Valencia street circuit with just two laps to go, is currently third in the championship rankings.

After the race, according to the Mirror, Alonso’s car broke down in front of a grandstand full of Spanish fans.

“We had a car problem and luckily it was in the right place,” Alonso was quoted as saying.

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