Alonso Glad to be Back in GP Action

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso was delighted to be back to Grand Prix action for the first time after one and a half years since his last race.

"I cannot describe the great feeling I had today coming back to proper racing, after 18 months," admitted the young Spaniard, who spent last season testing for the Renault team after a debut year with Minardi in 2001.

This year Alonso returns to racing with the French squad, driving alongside Jarno Trulli.

21-year old Alonso had a promising start to his Australian Grand Prix, posting the seventh fastest time and outpacing Italian Trulli.

"This first day went extremely well, I feel confident in the potential of the car and very satisfied with the way the team has been working with me," he said.

Trulli also had a positive session and set the ninth quickest time, although he was confident of improving in the decisive Saturday session.

"Overall a positive Friday session for me," he said. "This afternoon, as the track conditions improved, the cars' positions kept changing. As far I am concerned, my placement is what was expected and I am confident I can improve tomorrow, when it really matters."