Alonso makes good in Ferrari debut at Bahrain Grand Prix

Ferrari's decision to give up on last season and begin looking ahead paid off when Fernando Alonso led the Italian team to a 1-2 finish at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday in Sakhir, Bahrain.

The two-time world champion from Spain passed teammate Felipe Massa at the second corner after and overtook pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel on the 34th lap for a lead he would never relinquish.

After two frustrating years at Renault, Alonso jumped on top of his car as Ferrari got off to its best start since 2004 – when Michael Schumacher led a 1-2 start. Alonso was signed in the off-season to replace Kimi Raikkonen.

"A very special day for me, coming back to the top of the podium is always special, but also more special with Ferrari and the history of the team and the expectations," Alonso said. "There is no better way to start the relationship."

Schumacher placed sixth in his first race in three years after starting seventh.

"All in all, I have a very positive feeling after my first race," Schumacher said through a translator. "We came in roughly where we expected to come in."

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton finished third.

INDYCAR: Will Power made a late overtaking move to take the lead from Ryan Hunter-Reay to win the rain-shortened IndyCar season opener on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Australian passed the American with three laps to go, clinching the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 for his second career victory.

Star wire services

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