Jan.23 (GMM) Fernando Alonso's countrymen flocked in unprecedented numbers to the Spanish test circuit at Valencia on Tuesday.

Local newspapers said the crowd tipped the scales at 38,000, who gathered on a public holiday to see the former double world champion and ten formula one teams prepare for the 2008 season.

It is believed that the previous unofficial record for test attendance was set at Jerez last November, when 17,000 Spaniards turned out.

The daily El Pais reported widespread traffic problems around the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, after track officials underestimated the local interest in the test.

"Our forecasts indicated that about 20,000 people would come," admitted Paul Pernía, the circuit's communications chief.

Track boss Julio Garcia added: "Never in history have so many people come to a F1 test. 99 per cent of them came to see Fernando Alonso," he said.

Williams rookie Kazuki Nakajima was also amazed by the turnout.

"It was just like driving in front of a race crowd," the Japanese said. "I raced here in GP2 last season and I think there were more people here today."