F1: World champion Fernando Alonso enjoyed a Friday like no other in front of his home fans when practice began for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
The Oviedo-born driver teased a healthy crowd with a fleeting appearance in first practice, completing just two installation laps.
But he delivered exactly what they wanted this afternoon when he set the fastest lap for a race driver, cheered on by thousands of fans paying tribute to Spain's first world champion.
That warm welcome had Alonso in raptures, claiming he has never known a practice day like it.
The Renault driver said: "It was fantastic to start running today in Barcelona. After months of testing here with empty grandstands, I think all the drivers will have enjoyed driving in front of some spectators, not just me.
"But I don't think that the Friday at any other circuit has the same level of emotion as we saw from the fans today, it was wonderful to see them all around the circuit."
Alonso kept Ferrari's Michael Schumacher out of the limelight and off the top of the timing sheets with his second practice performance.
The Spaniard has a score to settle with his Ferrari rival after being narrowly beaten in successive races to throw open the title race.
Schumacher's two wins came in home races for Ferrari and himself at Imola and the Nurburgring and Alonso now wants his share of home-turf success.
"I am looking forward to qualifying and the race, and I hope I can give the fans something to enjoy," he added.