Race notes: Monaco GP

(GMM) Fernando Alonso called his second successive Monaco grand prix win 'easy' on Sunday and confirmed that he took it easy in the closing stages.

"You don't want to unnecessarily risk anything when you are a minute in front of the car in third place," McLaren's Spaniard said.

Team boss Ron Dennis revealed that both Alonso and second placed teammate Lewis Hamilton could have driven quicker for most of the 78-lap race.

"Slowing them down was difficult and frustrating for the drivers, but that's my job," the Briton told ITV.

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Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the highest-placed non-McLaren, finished a minute behind the silver cars and said it was "impossible" to match their pace on Sunday.

"Now the (points) gap is a bit bigger, but five points is nothing in the championship," the Brazilian said.

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Hamilton said he glanced Monaco's famous Armco barriers more than once on Sunday.

"Fortunately we have a solid car," the rookie smiled.