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Alonso crowned F1 king

26/09/2005

Fernando Alonso has rewritten the Formula One history books by becoming the youngest ever F1 champion.

The Spanish Renault driver, aged just 24, finished third at Interlagos in the Brazilian grand prix yesterday, behind race winner Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia and his Finnish McLaren team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

However, the third place finish was all Alonso needed to set up an unassailable lead over second-placed Raikkonen and, in doing so, wrap up the drivers' championship.

Alonso, at just 24 years and 58 days, becomes the youngest world champion, beating Emerson Fittipaldi's record of 25 years, eight months and 29 days, when he won the crown back in 1972.

Speaking after the race, the Oviedo-based driver was unsurprisingly elated, describing the moment as a dream come true.

"It was always a dream to win the Formula One title. It's the maximum that I have ever achieved in my life. It was a dream come true," he said

"I am the youngest champion in Formula One and now I need to find new targets because this one is done. This is very important for me, my friends, my country and my family."

The Spaniard added that winning the championship is particularly special because he relinquishes Michael Schumacher, a genuine race legend, of the title and ends his five-year reign as F1 champion.

"To beat Michael this year was really an extra happiness for me," added Alonso, who finished 11 seconds ahead of the German Ferrari racer in Brazil. "Everyone wants to beat Michael on the track."

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