Alonso surprised by Schu return

Alonso: Ready to fight

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Fernando Alonso has said he is surprised by Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One but admitted that beating the seven-times World Champion makes victory all the sweeter.

The pair were reunited in a press conference in Bahrain on Thursday ahead of the first race of the new season, which marks Schumacher's return after a three-year absence.

They last raced against each other at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix, a race which saw Alonso crowned World Champion for the second successive year following an epic year-long struggle with Schumacher.

The latter appeared destined for an eight title prior to an engine failure at the previous race in Japan but departed the sport with one of his best performances - Schumacher carving his way through the field to finish fourth at Interlagos after suffering an early puncture.

Alonso said that, in his view, Schumacher's success makes him the greatest driver in the history of the sport and added that F1 can only benefit from the 41-year-old's return.

"To have Michael here, it's a surprise," said Alonso, turning to his left to acknowledge Schumacher by his side.

"But as I've said many times, it's a very good thing for all of us, for all the drivers, for our sport. It can only help Formula One.

"I'm very happy he is here and hopefully we can have a good fight.

"As I've said before, he is the best driver in history. I really think that.

"If you look at the world championships Michael has, it's something I think is impossible to repeat.

"If you look at the numbers - the titles, grands prix wins, pole positions etc - we all agree Michael is the best ever, so I'm happy he is here.

"Winning a grand prix with Michael on the track has more value, so we will try."

Winning habit

Alonso is looking to get back in the winning habit having failed to score a victory last season, with his last win coming in Japan two seasons ago.

That success came shortly after he also won in Singapore - the race around which the so-called 'Crashgate' scandal unfolded, something which compounded Alonso's dismal 2009 season.

However, his long-anticipated move to Ferrari followed and the Spaniard has declared that he is "ready to win again".

"When it comes round to the first race of the championship, you've been preparing yourself all winter for this moment," Alonso added.

"I've waited a long time to be with Ferrari as well, many years of preparation for this moment, so now I'm ready to fight, and I hope we're in a position to do that.

"I've had a great time so far. I've been very comfortable with the team from day one up to now.

"We've concentrated on our programme, to be as good as possible for this first race.

"We are well prepared for the start of the season, but we want to be world champions in November, not March."