UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Prac 1.2: Alonso in control

Renault top Thursday practice

The barrier lined streets of Monte-Carlo looked like an easy challenge for Fernando Alonso who put his Renault at the front of the Formula One field on Thursday.

The Spaniard set an astonishing pace in setting the day’s fastest time during second practice session for the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix.

Like the morning run, session two was another hit out between Renault, McLaren and surprisingly Red Bull Racing.

But despite the tight competition Alonso remained in control for the afternoon hour as he matched any time his rivals offered.

McLaren’s Alex Wurz came closest to toppling the four-time winner, his final time of 1:15.912 less than a tenth short than the benchmark (1:15.835).

Local knowledge served Red Bull’s David Coulthard (1:16.184), who both lives and owns a hotel in Monaco, well as he finished an impressive third fastest.

Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella (1:16.519) was fourth fastest, one place ahead of the morning pace setter in McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya (1:16.534).

McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull’s Viantonio Liuzzi rounded out a top seven that was dominated by just three teams.

PRACTICE SHORTS

* Last chance. Bridgestone declared that this weekend was their final chance to make a bid for the 2005 titles.

A representative of the supplier said in the paddock this weekend that if Ferrari didn’t get a good result on Sunday then the fight would be over.

To aid the Scuderia in keeping their chances alive, Bridgestone arrived in Monte-Carlo with a new rubber compound.

* The force. ‘The force’ was with Red Bull Racing on Thursday.

Two of the three Star Wars branded racers finished inside the top ten.

* Thrills and spills. Monaco’s second session of practice wasn’t without drama.

Minardi’s Christijan Albers kick-started the action with a shunt at Casino square.

The Dutchman clipped his rear tyres on the inside barrier before the front snapped out and hit the wall as well.

Minutes later Red Bull Racing’s Chrisitan Klien came to blows with the inside barrier after coming out of the same corner.

In the final minutes of the session Felipe Massa added his name to the incidents list when he ploughed his Sauber into the barriers.

The Brazilian came off at St Devote, Monte-Carlo’s first turn, after locking up under brakes.

Written: Thu, 19 May 2005 13:10:56