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World champion Alonso back in business


Renault test driver Montagny set the fastest time of 1:18.322 off 114 laps while Schumacher was second in his Ferrari in 1:18.582 (113 laps). Alonso clocked the third fastest time of 1:18.739 (97).


Alonso used the time to acclimatise himself to the V8 power levels in his Renault and to get a feel for 2006 tyre development.


"It was a positive day for me," said the Spaniard.


"I ran with the simulated engine power to understand how it will be next year, and everything went well. You can feel the power loss straight away, but you get used to it quickly and in any case, everybody is dealing with the same thing.


"I don't believe it makes it any easier to drive an F1 car - once you are really on the limit, it is always difficult, whether you are talking about an F3 car or an F1 car, a V10 engine or a V8.


"We set competitive lap times with our simulated set-up, and I am confident that we will be doing the same with the R26 next year."


Schumacher said he was looking forward to the new season which gets underway in Bahrain on March 12.


"I'm happy to be back driving again and I am very pleased with these two days of testing at Jerez, which went off without any particular problems," said the German.


"It shows the team has worked well over the past few weeks, as has Bridgestone on the tyres. I can't wait to be back on track when testing resumes."