Two-time defending Formula One champion Fernando Alonso passed Felipe Massa of Ferrari on a slippery track late in the race Sunday to win the European Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver closed to within two points in the standings of leader Lewis Hamilton. The rookie was ninth, finishing out of the top three for the first time in 10 races this season.

Massa was eight seconds behind in second place with Mark Webber third for Red Bull to equal his career best.

Hamilton, who also drives for McLaren, leads Alonso 70-68. He started 10th on the grid following his crash in qualifying Saturday.

The race was halted after four laps because of a heavy shower