Jan.15 (GMM) After a one year absence, Fernando Alonso returned to the wheel of a Renault single seater on Tuesday 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.

Alonso, wearing his official number five for this season when he entered the track, had arrived in the sherry-producing south of Spain late on Monday evening.

Also in Spain on Tuesday, Robert Kubica was on duty as BMW-Sauber gave its newly launched F1.08 a track debut at the Valencia circuit.