Alonso eyes winning debut with McLaren

Although Ferrari are believed to be favourites to win in Melbourne, Alonso says he will push hard to start the season with victory.

The Spanish driver, world champion for the past two seasons, is already feeling at home with the McLaren team, having moved there from Renault this year.

"Having spent the winter getting to know my new team and new car, I feel really at home and am very motivated to start racing," said Alonso in a team preview.

"I always enjoy Australia, there is a great atmosphere and I am excited to get out there and see where we are compared to the other teams.

"There are a lot of new things in the sport this season such as new rules, all teams running on Bridgestone, drivers changing teams. Everyone is starting from zero and it is going to make things very interesting.

"Am I going to go out at Albert Park and win my first race with McLaren Mercedes? We are certainly going to push hard to try."

Teammate Lewis Hamilton is also fired up for the Australian Grand Prix, the Briton finally making his Formula One debut after winning the GP2 championship last year.

Hamilton, who has had a busy winter of testing, feels he is ready for his maiden Grand Prix.

"Taking to the grid Australia is the end of one journey for me and the start of an even bigger one," said Hamilton. "I have been working incredibly hard towards this moment over the past few months, testing, physical training, working with the engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre and studying the regulations.

"I feel I have the experience I need and I definitely feel ready to get out there. This year will be a learning curve for me, Albert Park is one of the seven new tracks I'll be racing on, but it is not a huge problem more an exciting challenge.

"I have always enjoyed street circuits, so it is great to start my career in Formula One with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes here."