Alonso: Return of the prodigal son

While Alonso was partnering British team-mate Lewis Hamilton at McLaren-Mercedes last season, Renault's fortunes slumped, with the French manufacturer unable to win a race and appearing only once on the podium.

 Alonso eventually finished only a point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen in a Ferrari and level with Hamilton, before leaving the Anglo-German outfit where he had never felt at home.

 "Being back at Renault I feel very comfortable. There are a lot of good feelings, happy memories and a positive feeling for the future," the 26-year-old Spaniard told the Formula One website.

 "Of course, there have been changes to the team I left in 2006, but I still know most of the team and their approach to racing has not changed.

 "I think we have everything we need for success, and the team knows how to win because we have done this in the past. If anything the team is even stronger now as there have been improvements in many areas."

   However with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne looming on March 16, Alonso has admitted in various interviews it will be difficult for the R28 to challenge Ferrari, McLaren or teams such as BMW.

 "When I signed for Renault I knew it was a team that was almost two seconds off the pace in Brazil (in the last race of 2007)," he said.

 "Already I knew with that difference (in performance) it would be really complicated to have a winning car. I already knew that the beginning was going to be difficult.

 "Saying we should be between seventh and ninth on the grid in Melbourne is not pessimistic. What is certain is that we lack that little bit - four tenths or half a second - to be able to fight for the podium.

 "With that handicap is it impossible to qualify among the top five. If you are in the top five, any failures for those above elevate you to the podium, but at the moment that is insurmountable."

   However the return of Alonso - who is partnered by Brazilian Nelsinho Piquet, the son of triple world champion Nelson Piquet - will help restore confidence to Renault after its dismal 2007.

 "Fernando would not have made up for the deficiencies of last year's car," said engineering head Pat Symonds at the launch of the R28.

 "We are now confident we have overcome those problems, and we are desperate to give him the car his talent deserves. I am certain that the combination of Fernando in a revitalised Renault will see him challenging for race wins."

By Claas Hennig, dpa