Alonso celebrates 'very special' day

The two-time champion took the lead of the race after Red Bull rival Sebastian Vettel had problems with his car, and the Spaniard went on to take a comfortable victory, leading team-mate Felipe Massa to Ferrari's first one-two since the 2008 French Grand Prix.

The win was Alonso's first since 2008 and the first one-two in the first race for Ferrari since 2004.

Alonso was a delighted man after a perfect start to the campaign, and dedicated the victory to all the Ferrari team.

"A very special day for me," said Alonso. "Coming back the top of the podium is always special but even more special with Ferrari. We have history behind the team and all the expectations a driver has when he drives for Ferrari.

"There is no better way to start the relationship. This is the best team in the world, we worked hard all winter, the guys did a very good job in winter testing.

"We have done nothing so far - we only won the first race but to be first and second is the result that the guys in Maranello deserve because they have been working day and night to give us this fantastic car.

"This first victory is dedicated to all the people in Italy, the mechanics here and president di Montezemolo. This result is very, very positive."

The Spaniard insisted, however, that there is still a long way to go and he refused to get carried away despite the ideal start to 2010.

"I think it is not important, I always say the same thing, the first three or four races of the championship are not crucial for anything, you just need some solid points for the team, to get used to the regulations, the tyres, the races themselves.

"There are now more points but this first part is not the crucial part of the championship. It is nice to be here, but this is down to the fantastic car we have. I think the key to be world champion will be the battle during the season, we had a good base but we need to keep working. Now it is time to push."