Fernando Alonso, Renault and Michelin responded in the best possible way to Ferrari and Bridgestone’s recent run of success by handing out a crushing defeat to Michael Schumacher on the Spaniard’s home territory this afternoon.

Snatching the lead from pole position as team mate Giancarlo Fisichella slotted in behind him - crucially ahead of the Ferraris of Schumacher and Felipe Massa - Alonso led until his first pit stop on lap 17. That came early enough to prompt suggestions that the champion might be on a three-stop strategy. Fisichella stopped a lap later, handing the lead to Schumacher who did not refuel until lap 23.

Now it became a matter of waiting to see when Alonso stopped again. The window for a three-stop would be laps 30 to 36, but this time the Renault went until lap 40, right at the beginning of the two-stop window. Again, Fisichella stopped a lap later, but this time Schumacher was in on lap 46. It was not enough. Alonso regained the lead and maintained a comfortable 13-second cushion until the flag to score his second win of the season.

[Source: Formula 1]

It looks to be a season-long battle between Alonso and Schumacher with everyone else watching.

By the way, what is wrong with Mclaren??

Speaking of McLaren, are Montoya’s days numbered?