Alonso in favour of Hamilton

Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has praised the start to the season made by his team-mate Lewis Hamilton after the furore over the McLaren team allegedly issuing team orders during the Monaco Grand Prix.

The FIA, the sport's governing body, investigated the race after Alonso and Hamilton finished first and second, with claims being made that the young British driver was ordered to back off so he did not put his stablemate under pressure.

But the Spaniard, whose team escaped punishment by the FIA, has welcomed the impact made by Hamilton.

Alonso said: "We need to wait and see how the championship develops but it has been a very good start for the team and Lewis as well."