Alonso storms to Valencia win

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso became the first driver to win two races this season with a fantastic performance at the European GP.

Alonso started from 11th after a disappointing qualifying session but produced an outstanding display to take maximum points in Valencia and secure his first win at the circuit. The Spanish star also opened up a big lead in the drivers' standings as both Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, his nearest rivals prior to Sunday's GP, were forced to retire. Vettel suffered an engine failure on lap 33 and the German had been on course to secure a podium finish, at the very least, while Hamilton crashed with two laps to go as he was hit by Williams' Pastor Maldonado. Michael Schumacher also impressed as he secured his first podium finish since his return to the sport, the veteran German came in third after starting from 12th. Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen came in second, while Jenson Button's struggles continued as the McLaren star came in eighth. Alonso now has a 20 point lead in the Drivers' Championship with 111 points on the board, Mark Webber, fourth in Valencia, is second in the standings with Hamilton and Vettel third and fourth respectively.