29/10/2006
NEWS STORY
The city of Oviedo paid tribute to its favourite son today, as local hero Fernando Alonso was given a civic reception following his back-to-back World Championship titles.
As thousands of locals cheered and sang, wrapped up in the blue and yellow flags that have become so familiar at the world's race tracks over the last couple of years, the 25-year-old was clearly moved.
"I can say that I've got the best fans in the world," he declared, speaking from a balcony overlooking the Cathedral Square, "that's for sure.
"In football and other sports there are fans like this, who sing songs and give their unconditional support, but in motorsport it is very rare to see fans like this and I feel very privileged."