McLaren gets set to unveil Alonso as new driver

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) _ McLaren will unveil Formula One champion Fernando Alonso as its new driver Monday. <br/><br/>Alonso and Lewis Hamilton were set to drive their new McLaren MP4-21 race cars from the

Monday, January 15th 2007, 9:46 am

By: News On 6

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) _ McLaren will unveil Formula One champion Fernando Alonso as its new driver Monday.

Alonso and Lewis Hamilton were set to drive their new McLaren MP4-21 race cars from the Arts and Sciences complex through the streets of Valencia past 150,000 spectators later in the day.

``This is a fantastic day for me. I am really proud to be introducing myself as a McLaren-Mercedes driver in my home country, and of course to help present my new team to the Spanish fans,'' Alonso said. ``I have very special feelings and emotions today and I am hoping it will be the start of a fantastic season.''

Alonso and Hamilton will test drive the MP4-21 cars at the Valencia circuit for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of the extended preseason testing program which begins Jan. 24.

The 26-year-old Alonso signed with McLaren in December 2005 after winning the Formula One championship with Renault. He became the first Spanish champion and youngest champion in F1 history.

Alonso replaced Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen, who took over for the retired Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.

``I believe it is the right team for me to switch to, to have a competitive car in the future. I don't see a better option than (McLaren),'' Alonso said. ``First of all, joining a new team always offers you something more and gives you this extra motivation.

``Everything is completely new. You are learning new things and understanding different approaches. It provides an extra challenge and inspiration,'' Alonso said.

Alonso made his McLaren debut on Dec. 12 with a surprise drive on the final day of winter testing at the circuit in Jerez, Spain. Under contract until the end of 2006, Renault allowed the Spaniard to drive with McLaren wearing a plain white helmet and overalls in an unmarked McLaren car.

McLaren finished third in the constructors' championship in 2006, 94 points behind Renault, with team drivers Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya finishing fifth and eighth in the drivers' standings.

Hamilton, a 21-year-old Englishman with roots in the Caribbean, will becomes the sport's first black driver after winning this season's GP2 championship _ the level below F1.

In 2005, he dominated the F3 series, winning 15 of 20 races.

``The feeling is indescribable,'' Hamilton said. ``Growing up I always dreamed of racing for McLaren, and now I am.

``I know I have to work harder to be stronger mentally and physically and to prepare myself for whatever may come my way in Formula One, but am ready and relishing the challenge.''