50-1 Alonso swoops on F1 title rivals in Valencia

FERNANDO ALONSO stamped his mark as a clear favourite in what had been a wide-open drivers championship as he pulled off a remarkable victory at the European Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Spaniard has been a 33-1 shot in Valencia as he started 11th on the grid and hit 50-1  in-running with Hills.

But race leader and pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel, one point behind Alonso in the title standings before this week's race, broke down, while Lewis Hamilton, two points ahead in top spot, crashed out with two laps to go, leaving Alonso's two main rivals pointless.

It was a good result for the bookmakers after some costly races - Hills reported that even at 50-1 Alonso attracted bets of just £25.32, and bet365's Steve Freeth said: "Both Vettel and Hamilton were very well backed so we'll happily take this result."

Alonso is now 15-8 favourite for the drivers title ahead of Vettel, Coral's 3-1 favourite for the British Grand Prix a week on Sunday.