Alonso takes pole at Spanish GP

Barcelona: World champion Fernando Alonso gained his second consecutive pole position on Saturday, leading a Renault 1-2 in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Alonso, competing in his native Spain for the first time as Formula One world champion, was cheered by the nearly full stands after he completed his lap in 1 minute, 14.648 seconds. Teammate Giancarlo Fisichella was next in 1:14.709.

Formula One interest in Spain has blossomed because of Alonso's championship last year.

"We all enjoy this qualifying with the people in the grandstand enjoying this new sport in this country," Alonso said. "It is a bit different. There is no pressure. There is more motivation."

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion who beat Alonso in the last two races, was third in 1:14.970, with his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa next at 1:15.442.

"Ferrari and Michael are strong again this weekend but we have to do our job this weekend," Alonso said. "Tomorrow we have to think victory is possible."

It was the 11th career pole for Alonso and second this season in six races. He has yet to win the Spanish GP.

Schumacher has won the race Spanish GP six times, including four in a row from 2001-o4 for Ferrari. He wasn't worried about his third.

"It's all about the strategy," Schumacher said. "In general we knew we had a bit of sacrifice for qualifying but we have a strong race pace."

Kimi Raikkonen won the Spanish Grand Prix last year from pole position but this time his McLaren-Mercedes was ninth in 1:16.015.

Sunday's race is 66 laps of the 4.627-kilometer (2.875-mile) Circuit de Catalunya.

Last year, Alonso became the youngest driver and first Spaniard to win the F1 title.

However, he has finished behind Schumacher in the last two races after winning two of the first three GPs this season.

Alonso leads the championship after five races with 44 points, followed by Schumacher with 31 and Raikkonen with 23.

Juan Pablo Montoya of Mclaren-Mercedes failed to make it to the final 10 drivers eligible for the pole position for the first time this season by coming in 12th. He did 1:15.801.

David Coulthard, who had the fifth fastest time in the morning practice, spun out on his first lap and will start last on the starting grid in his Red Bull.