Champion Alonso seeks victory at Spanish home GP

By Jens Marx May 10, 2007, 9:10 GMT

Barcelona - World champion Fernando Alonso aims for victory at his Spanish home Grand Prix on Sunday but will have to keep an eye out on his McLaren team-mate, Formula One rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton has made F1 history by making the podium in his first three career races. A maiden win on Sunday appears possible as the race action comes to Europe after a four-week break following the opening races in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain.

Alonso, Hamilton and Ferrari ace Kimi Raikkonen are tied for the championship lead on 22 points, with Felipe Massa fourth in the second Ferrari on 17 points and BMW driver Nick Heidfeld fourth on 15.

'I think if I had to choose just one race to win it will always be the Spanish Grand Prix,' said Alonso, adding that he feels no extra pressure racing at home.

'I think no doubt for any racing driver to race at their home circuit is always something special and something that you look forward to, and for me it is exactly the same. I think in Spain now the passion for Formula 1 is very high and the people are enjoying this sport which is new for them.'

Alonso is the two-time reigning world champion, but in order to secure a third title he will have to overcome stiff resistance from Ferrari and from Hamilton, who is relishing his amazing debut.

'Going into your first season you don't expect to be joint leading the drivers' championship. It was only last year I was watching the Grands Prix, it is unreal. It is also very cool and I am enjoying it, it shows our true pace and I hope that I can continue to score points and build on the start to the season,' the British sensation said.

Hamilton said there 'is no reason why we can't challenge for the constructors' and drivers' titles,' but he added that it will take a big effort from all parties involved in the team.

'We need to keep what we have, we need to work on the reliability of the car and make sure we don't have any DNFs and focus on pushing forward performance,' he said.

McLaren got a one-two finish from Alonso and Hamilton in Bahrain, while the other two wins went to Ferrari - Raikkonen in Australia and Massa in Bahrain.

With Michael Schumacher making his appearance at a race since his retirement last October, Massa and Raikkonen will be even more keen to do well again and spoil Alonso's home show.

'I am very happy that Michael is coming. He will give us some extra enthusiasm,' said Massa.

McLaren and Ferrari are expected to fight for victory, but BMW and Heidfeld are ready to challenge. The German Heidfeld came fourth in all three races, sensationally overtaking Alonso in Bahrain.

'I'm hoping for another good result for my 30th birthday!' said Heidfeld, whose birthday was on Thursday.

The 4,655-kilometres Circuit de Catalunya has undergone changes, with a new chicane towards the end of the lap making the course safer but also slower.

Free practise is scheduled for Friday and Saturday morning, qualifying is later Saturday and the 66-lap race on Sunday.