Alonso closes on Hamilton

Fernando Alonso closed the gap on Lewis Hamilton to two points in the battle for the world title after taking victory in a stunning European Grand Prix.

Rain at the end of the first lap led to farcical scenes with cars sliding off all over the track, including Hamilton at one stage.

Although the McLaren star rejoined the Nurburgring circuit after being lifted out of the gravel by a crane, his race was ultimately compromised.

The drama continued unabated throughout, though, including pole man Kimi Raikkonen limping out in his Ferrari just after the halfway point.

With just four laps remaining, double world champion Alonso barged the Ferrari of Felipe Massa out of the way to eventually go on to take the chequered flag.