Two-time champion Fernando Alonso paid a warm tribute to his Ferrari team and the massive Spanish crowd on Sunday after he drove to a dominant victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix. His win thrilled his compatriots in a 95,000-strong flag-waving home crowd that roared in delight after he had crossed the line to grab his second win at his home race and third on Spanish soil in recent years. "It was fantastically emotional and the fans really helped because you feel the support from everyone," said Alonso.

World championship leader Sebastian Vettel and home favourite Fernando Alonso both played down the significance of their performances on Friday after they had dominated proceedings on the opening day of practice for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The 31-year-old Spaniard, who was fastest for Ferrari in the morning and then narrowly second quickest behind the triple world champion's Red Bull in the afternoon, said he remained optimistic of realising his dream, but conceded it would be difficult.

Spanish Formula One Grand Prix third free practice times here Saturday:

Montmelo, Spain, May 11 (EFE).- German Mercedes-Benz driver Nico Rosberg grabbed pole position for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, while Spain's Fernando Alonso, who drives for Ferrari, will start fifth. Rosberg snagged the third pole of his career with a time of 1:20.718 in Saturday's qualifying session at the Circuit de Catalunya; he also started first in the previous Formula One race, held three weekends ago in Bahrein, but finished a disappointing ninth. Rosberg will be joined on the front row by teammate Lewis Hamilton, who posted a time of 1:20.972.