Formula 1: Alonso gives Minardi massive confidence boost

Fernando Alonso's eventful debut in Formula One for the Minardi team in the Australian Grand Prix left the rookie delighted.

Alonso finished 12th after a stop-and-go penalty and a near crash with Rubens Barrichello.

It was all part of an assured first appearance in F1 for the Spanish teenager.

Team Principal, Paul Stoddart was full of praise for Alonso and overcome with joy at the performance of his Minardi team.

He said: "Fernando not only showed what he is capable of, but also proved that the our chassis will need to be taken seriously this year.

"To take 12th place on our maiden outing - there are just not the words to describe the feeling."

Alonso said of his performance: "The objective was to finish the race, and that is what happened, so it couldn't have turned out better.

"My car went really well over the whole race, allowing me to push hard until the end.

Teammate Tarso Marques was not so fortunate with virtually every technical failing over the weekend occurring on his car.

Marques, also making his F1 debut, retired on lap four with engine trouble.

"I wasn't really with the brakes all weekend, but I think the car is basically good.

"We are just suffering from a lack of pre-season testing time. I'm sure things will be better in Malaysia."