Grapevine: 280,000 fans greet Alonso at Seville

World champion Fernando Alonso was the homecoming hero, greeted by 280,000 cheering fans as he entertained the crowd in the R25.

"This is just a fantastic event," the Spaniard said. "To see so many fans here in Seville, to feel the passion that people have for Formula One here in Spain, and to celebrate with them just one week after the Grand Prix: for me, these will be some unforgettable memories."

Alonso's demonstration runs in his championship-winning Renault marked the highlight of the day, which marked the 40th anniversary of the French company's factory in Seville.

The day included demonstration by other famous Renault cars and drivers, including the 1977 Renault F1 car, the RS01, driven by Rene Arnoux.

"This has been an amazing ten days for Spain," Alonso added. "Sevilla and Barcelona won the European trophies in football, I had a fantastic weekend in Barcelona with my victory, and Dani Pedrosa and Rafael Nadal did amazing things in MotoGP and tennis.

"This is a fantastic way to celebrate that week of sporting achievement."

Alonso also took the opportunity to remind F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that this was the Spaniard's way of 'giving back to the sport' - something Ecclestone complained Alonso was not doing enough of.

"I believe these events are very important for Formula One," Alonso said. "At the race weekends, we are very busy and it is hard to make time for the public. But on a day like this, we can do things properly: we meet our fans, take pictures, sign autographs and have some fun!

"It is important for the people to be able to get close our sport, and to celebrate their passion. Renault really want to help them do this, and everybody enjoys the experience."