Balencia: McLaren-Mercedespulled out all the stops as they launched their new car in Valencia on yesterday (Jan 15,2007).

Thousands of fans waited up to four hours to get a glimpse of their Spanishhero as McLaren had part of the city by the Cuidad de las Artes y de laCiencias closed off to traffic, as they put on a brief display along thestreets near the port.

Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett streakeddown the narrow boulevard to the sounds of claxons and cheers.

Alonso looked genuinely relaxed and equally as thrilled as dancers,fireworks and song brought the proceedings to a climatic end.

Afterwards, the double world champion said he was delighted by the fansturnout.

“It is really important for me. I have a lot of fantastic support from theSpanish people and for me to be in this new project starting from Valencia in myhome country will be something special for sure," he said.

"I have very special feelings and emotions today and I am hoping itwill be the start of a fantastic season," he said.

Alonso admitted his biggest threat this season would be from Ferrari’s KimiRäikkönen, although he did predict that he would go on to win six Grands Prixwith the Woking-based outfit just one short which helped secure him his secondtitle with Renault last season.

Team-mate Lewis Hamilton conceded his task this season would be a tough oneto hang on to the coat-tails of his team-mate.

"It’s going to be a tough season for sure," he said.

 "But I’m with the best and withthe best driver. I’m extremely motivated. I want to win races, like any driver.My main aim is to do the best job possible," he said.