VALENCIA, Spain, Aug 21, 2008 (AFP) - Fernando Alonso is to replace his familiar grin with a face filled with grief when he takes the driving wheel at Valencia this weekend for the European Grand Prix.

The two-times world champion, who was filled with anticipation for the race, the 12th Grand Prix in the 18-event Formula One season, is to wear a black armband as a clear sign of respect for the dead following Wednesday´s air crash in Madrid where 153 people died.

"Everything is different," he told reporters. "It will definitely change the weekend for me, because it´s a tragedy - what has happened. All the Spanish people are in shock and I am too.

"It´s probably the saddest approach to a weekend I have had. I will wear a black armband and I will talk with the (other) drivers tomorrow. Maybe we can do something before starting - maybe one minute´s silence in the pit-lane.

"Tomorrow, we will start slowly to get into the weekend - life continues, but it´s a different weekend compared to what it should be."

The European race was set up as the event that would complete Spain´s sporting celebrations following successes in football, cycling and tennis.

Instead, the country has begun three days of a period of national mourning.

"When things like this happen sport and life are put into perspective," said Brazilian Felipe Massa of Ferrari. "We will all do all we can."

Alonso, in a Renault, was expected to be one of the favourites to land a popular home win - or be close to the top of the podium - and had prepared in a special simulator in England.

Now his mind is on other matters, though he intends to perform as well as he can in respect for the dead.

"We must all do our best to put on a great show for them," said Briton Lewis Hamilton. "So, of course, I support all of Fernando´s efforts and plans."