After a one year absence, Fernando Alonso returned to the wheel of a Renault single seater during the Formula One testing on Monday at Jerez.

In dry conditions at the Spanish circuit, the 26-year-old former double world champion joined the action at the first major group test of 2008, in a 2007-specification R27.

Wearing the French team's overalls design of last year, but a modified helmet livery, the Spaniard left the garage amid a flurry of photographer's lenses and a harmless puff of smoke from the rear of his car.

Photographs: Getty Images

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