Alonso given hero's welcome in hometown Oviedo

OVIEDO, Spain, Oct 29 (Reuters) Spain's Formula One double world champion Fernando Alonso was given a hero's welcome at a civic reception in his home city of Oviedo today.

The 25-year-old, who wrapped up his second successive world title last week in Brazil, was greeted by thousands of fans decked out in the colours of his Renault team and waving the regional flag of Asturias which, like the French manufacturer, is blue and yellow.

''I can say that I've got the best fans in the world, that's for sure,'' Alonso told chanting supporters from a balcony in the cathedral square.

''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.'' Alonso became Formula One's youngest double world champion when he won the title with a second place finish in the season-ending Brazil Grand Prix last Sunday.

He will be moving to the McLaren team next season where he will attempt to join Michael Schumacher and the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio as the only drivers to have won three championships in a row.

REUTERS AY BD1737