Alonso sets practice pace

World champion elect Fernando Alonso got the better of title rival Kimi Raikkonen when practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix resumed today at Interlagos.

Renault driver Alonso needs only to finish on the podium to make history by becoming Formula One’s youngest world champion.

The 24-year-old suggested he is not about to take it easy in Brazil though, setting the quickest time in this morning’s first practice session with a lap of one minute 12.738 seconds.

That put Alonso comfortably clear of McLaren rival Raikkonen, who was 0.350secs adrift in fourth place.

Alonso’s team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella was second-quickest, with the other McLaren of Juan Pablo Montoya third, despite a late spin for the Colombian.

Jenson Button’s hopes of being best of the rest behind the Renaults and McLarens were backed up with a strong showing this morning.

The BAR-Honda driver, who is benefiting from a revised car this weekend, was fifth-quickest, within half a second of Alonso’s pace.

Rubens Barrichello, in his home city of Sao Paulo, offered his local fans hope of a competitive showing with sixth for Ferrari, just ahead of fellow Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia’s Williams.

Outgoing world champion Michael Schumacher was down in 10th, with Scotland’s David Coulthard 15th for Red Bull.