SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) _ Defending Formula One champion Fernando Alonso won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, holding off a challenge from Michael Schumacher.

Winner of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix Renault's Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates on the podium at the end of the race at the Sakhir racetrack in Manama March 12, 2006. [Reuters]

The 24-year-old Spaniard, who led from the 40th lap, thwarted an attempt by Ferrari's Schumacher to overtake him after his second pit stop on the 57-lap Bahrain International Circuit.

"It was my moment. I knew if I was in front of him at the exit of the pits the race was for me. I pushed and a perfect pit stop from the mechanics. I was in front of him. Very close but in front," The Renault driver said.

Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren-Mercedes finished third after he started last on the grid due to car failure in Saturday's qualification.

Alonso's ninth career win came despite starting fourth, behind Ferrari pair Schumacher and Felipe Massa and Honda's Jenson Button.

The race began with Schumacher moving into the lead. Massa held Alonso off through the first turn, before the Spaniard squeezed inside seconds later to move into second.

Massa's tires locked and his Ferrari skidded as it went around the first turn on the eighth lap to just avoid a collision with Alonso.

"He overtook me for a tenth of a second. He passed really quick," Alonso said. "I was lucky enough to not touch. Basically the speed was too quick and I had no reaction. I was lucky."

Massa had to pit and the team had trouble with his rear wheel, taking almost 47 seconds to get the Brazilian back on the track, where he was 20th.

Schumacher held the lead until the 15th lap when he pitted first to allow Alonso in front.

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