Fernando Alonso has been paid a glowing tribute by his Renault team after a brilliant performance in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

The 21-year-old finished second for the Enstone-based team, after challenging winner Michael Schumacher throughout the race.

Brazil's Rubens Barrichello finished third in the other Ferrari, while it was a good day for the Grove-based Williams-BMW team with Colombia's Juan Pablo Montoya leading home teammate Ralf Schumacher, for fourth.

Renault technical director, Mike Gascoyne believes Alonso could even win a race this season - only his second in Formula 1.

"He'll shrug his shoulders and say it was easy and it's no big deal, but it was a brilliant drive," said Gascoyne. "He's the real deal."

David Coulthard suffered a massive blow to his title hopes after he collided first with Jarno Trulli and later crashed out of the race after a clash with fellow Brit Jenson Button as he slumped to fifth in the drivers' standings.