Alonso blows away rivals to stretch lead

FERNANDO ALONSO tightened his suffocating grip on a second world championship with a consummate display at Montreal to end his North American jinx.

The Renault driver kept his cool when plenty around were losing theirs to defy difficult track conditions and win for the sixth time this season, extending his championship lead to 25 points.

He comfortably bettered his previous best of fourth in Montreal and confessed his delight at finally winning for the first time in North America.