Home hero facing tough task

Grand prix personnel were shocked at the need to sit in traffic leaving the circuit on Friday evening after the first day attendance was swelled by masses of local fans all intent on catching a glimpse of the national hero. Pre-Alonso, Spanish fervour for motorsport was aimed much more strongly at the two-wheeled variety.

Alonso himself refuses to be fazed by the adulation. "Actually," he said, "I've never felt pressure in my F1 career."

Alonso finished the opening day of practice in Spain seventh quickest overall and said: "Obviously the Ferraris are very quick and BAR looks good too. The first three races were a little bit difficult for me, especially Malaysia and Bahrain because I started from the back of the grid. Then, at Imola, I had a difficult start and I was in traffic for a lot of the race.

"I had more pace than I was able to show for a lot of the race but at the end of the day we have scored points in all the races and the team is second in the constructors championship.

"In Australia we were a little bit competitive compared with Ferrari, but not completely there, but in the last three races we weren't even the second team on the grid, so we have to push hard to try to be in front of BAR and Williams, which is not easy. But still, I hope I can give the fans something to cheer about."