Alonso mania hits Catalunya

Opening practice saw thousands of fans filling the main grandstand, a far more impressive turnout than the sparse crowd on race day at what turned out to be a thrilling San Marino Grand Prix at Imola two weeks ago. Tickets have long been sold out for Sunday’s race with Spaniards eager to witness another duel between Alonso, increasingly seen as Schumacher’s heir apparent, and the seven-Times world champion.

Schumacher is chasing his seventh Spanish Grand Prix victory and a record-equalling fifth in a row at the Barcelona circuit where he has never finished out of the points in 14 appearances.

Renault’s Alonso is hoping to become the first Spaniard to win his home race after already becoming the first to lead the championship.

The two men’s battle at Imola provided an enthralling contest, Schumacher harrying Alonso all the way to the finish line as the Spaniard held his nerve with a controlled and defensive drive under pressure.

Yet on Friday, the 23-year-old Alonso, who has won the last three races and scored twice as many points as his nearest rival, let compatriot Pedro de la Rosa take centre stage.

Alonso did not complete a timed lap in first practice, a regular occurrence for him this season as teams seek to conserve engines that must last for two races, and was only ninth quickest after 24 laps in the afternoon.

There was little need for the Spaniard to perform, despite the crowds chanting his name, since all the teams have tested regularly at the circuit North of Barcelona.

McLaren test driver De la Rosa seized his chance. He set the best morning time of one minute 15.675 seconds and was fastest again in the afternoon in 1:15.062.

Austrian Christian Klien, another man who will not race on Sunday, was second quickest for Red Bull in the morning with Toyota’s test driver Ricardo Zonta second after lunch.

Germany’s Nick Heidfeld was third quickest in both sessions but he loses 10 places on the starting grid because his Williams needs an unscheduled engine change. Schumacher was fourth and 13th fastest respectively. McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya, returning after missing two races due to injury, crashed heavily.

The Colombian clambered from his wrecked car after smashing into the tyre wall at turn nine at the end of the second session.

The notable absentee was Briton Jenson Button, whose BAR team have been suspended for two races by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for fuel and weight irregularities.

The local fans, many clad in blue Renault caps and shirts, could be glad of that as Button represented a real challenge to their hero.

Alonso-mania has gripped Spain since the 23-year-old Oviedo-born driver starting winning races this season. He became a national hero by holding off a strong challeng efrom world champion Michael Schumacher to win the San Marino Grand Prix 12 days ago, his third consecutive victory. The atmosphere at the Barcelona circuit was one normally associated with big soccer matches in Spain with fans blowing horns and chanting slogans.

(Reuters)