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 in Nuerburg, Germany.

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.

Fernando Alonso is just two points off the lead in the F1 driver's championship after winning Sunday's European Grand Prix.
(Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images)

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

"I couldn't keep the pace, Fernando was faster," Massa said.

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

Kimi Raikkonen, who started from the pole, pulled out in the 34th lap due to a problem with his Ferrari.

The race was halted after four laps because of a heavy shower. The rain returned with 11 laps left with Massa in the lead ahead of Alonso.

Three laps later, it began to rain harder and both drivers went in for wet-weather tires.

Alonso squeezed out Giancarlo Fisichella's Renault in the pit lane to get into position to attack Massa.

A great battle ensued over the next two laps and with less than five laps remaining, the two touched wheels as Alonso pushed past and went on to record his 18th career F1 victory.

"It was exciting to drive and I hope to watch," Alonso said. "The rain at the end helped us a lot, I think we were better in wet conditions. Luckily, I had six laps to try to pass him. I enjoyed the race and the different conditions. I like the rain."