Alonso conducts first test with new Renault.

Renault #1 driver Fernando Alonso conducted the first test with the team's 2008 challenger - the R28 on Monday at Valencia in Spain, ahead of the official unveiling next week in Paris.

The Spaniard spent the opening day concentrating on checking the general functions of the machine and making sure all the systems were operating correctly.

He didn't encounter any mechanical problems and while foggy conditions in the morning delayed the opening of the track, the double world champion was still able to complete a number of runs, finishing proceedings having notched up 39 tours in total - his best a 1 minute 13.027 seconds.

"When you have your first day with a new car, you always have to take your time to check that all the systems are functioning correctly, and that is what we did today," explained Fernando. "We were able to lengthen our runs little by little and ended the day with a 14-lap stint.

"Everything went well, but it is still too early to try and compare our performance with that of other teams, and that was not the objective today. The good news is that we encountered few problems, and we will be able to continue our work tomorrow."

Renault's chassis technical director, Bob Bell and chief test engineer, Christian Silk meanwhile were both pleased with how the day unfolded.

"Today has been very successful," said Bell. "We completed just under 40 laps and the car ran pretty much trouble-free - that is about as good a first day as you can expect with a new car.

"We would have completed our first run pretty much on time if it had not been for the weather, and I think that's a real tribute to the whole factory and all the hard work that has been put in to get this car here today. Overall, a really positive first day's work."

Silk echoed that assessment: "It was a good first day of work, which is always important with a new car," he added. "The whole team is very enthusiastic about working with the R28 and it is clear that everyone has given their all to get this new car on track.

"We were able to follow our programme without any difficulties and there were no big surprises with the new car. It is a solid basis on which we can build in the days to come."

Alonso will now continue in the car on Tuesday and Wednesday, before Nelson Piquet Jr takes over for the fourth and final day on Thursday.