Clean start for Alonso

Fernando Alonso made a clean start from pole position to lead the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring today.

The Renault driver powered clear of second-placed Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari as the top three held station, with the other Ferrari of Felipe Massa third.

Jenson Button made a fine start from sixth on the grid to move into fourth for Honda, just ahead of McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen.

Red Bull’s David Coulthard was less successful, though, and he hit Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Vitantonio Liuzzi at turn one – damaging his front wing. Liuzzi retired with a puncture, bringing out the safety car.