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Formula 1

Fernando Alonso is relishing the renewal of his on-track battles with Michael Schumacher, claiming any victory will now mean more.

For the first time in three and a half years, two of the sport's greatest rivals again sat alongside one another at an official FIA media conference.

The last time they locked horns was in Brazil in 2006 for what we all thought then was Schumacher's final race prior to him stunning the sport in December when he announced his comeback.

It was Alonso who ended that year on a high, claiming back-to-back titles following a titanic struggle with Schumacher, who bowed out with his head high following an imperious drive in Sao Paulo.

Alonso, though, with all due deference to Schumacher, hails the 41-year-old as the greatest Formula One driver in history, better than the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna.

It is why the Spaniard is so glad to see his old adversary again.

"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."

Alonso could now not be better placed to return to winning ways as his last victory was in Japan in 2008, a success that came on the back of his now much-maligned 'crashgate' triumph in Singapore.

After enduring two fairly wretched years with Renault, the 28-year-old maintains he is "ready to win again" now he is with Ferrari.

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

"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."

Catch STAR Sports’ LIVE commentary of the F1 with veteran race commentator Steve Slater, ex-F1 driver Alex Yoong and former Jordan Grand Prix chief designer and technical director Gary Anderson during the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.