Alonso takes wheel of Ferrari for first time

(GETTY IMAGES)

Fernando Alonso took the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time today on the final day of Formula One's first pre-season testing session.

The two-time world champion, who left Renault at the end of last year to join the Italian team, came out to busy grandstands at the Cheste circuit, which is expecting up to 30,000 spectators for the Spaniard's first session in the iconic red car.

Alonso took over from teammate Felipe Massa in the F10 car, which has been fastest in the seven-team field through the first two days.

Alonso is one of three F1 champions testing today, with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher of Mercedes GP and defending winner Jenson Button of McLaren also driving.