Alonso leads in Bahrain, Schumacher retires

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2005

MANAMA (AFP) — Fernando Alonso led at halfway in the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix here but reigning champion Michael Schumacher had to retire for technical reasons.

Alonso, driving for Renault, sped off from pole position and was managing to hold off Schumacher's strong bid for the lead when hydraulic failure on his Ferrari forced the German to retire on lap 11.

Better news for Ferrari came in the form of Rubens Barrichello who, after 26 of 57 laps, was in seventh position after starting on the back row of the grid following an engine change.

"I think I picked up some debris on the circuit which may have caused my radiator to break down," Schumacher told British television station ITV. "We are confident Rubens will finish the race which will give us extra...