Alonso sets the pace in free practice

The Spaniard8217;s team-mate Lewis Hamilton, level with him on 38 points at the top of the standings, was third quickest but 0.757 seconds behind Alonso. In the morning session, the McLaren drivers finished one-two with Alonso8217;s best lap time of one minute 17.759 seconds, 0.208 seconds ahead Hamilton.

8220;That was a good start to our weekend at a challenging circuit,8221; said Alonso, who won in Canada as a Renault driver last season. 8220;I don8217;t think we will dominate like we did at the last race in Monaco, and the track conditions here mean it is very hard to estimate where our competition is, but so far so good,8221; added the Spaniard.