Alonso skills 'biggest F1 has seen' - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel believes Fernando Alonso's "skills on track are the biggest F1 has seen" after the Spaniard's return to the sport.

Alonso returned to the sport this year with Alpine having spent two years racing in other categories.

The Spaniard fought with Vettel for championship success three times between 2010 and 2013 when the pair drove for Ferrari and Red Bull respectively.

Asked of his relationship with Alonso with the two now battling in the midfield with Alpine and Aston Martin, Vettel said: "I enjoy it to this day.

"The first race that Fernando was back this year we had some wheel to wheel and I was actually smiling in the cockpit because I am looking forward to more of it this year and I think we had a little.

"I think I always enjoy Fernando. I mean, in 2003 I was in front of the TV and I remember when he won [his first race]. I think his talent is without doubt."

In 2005, Alonso was the driver that ended a five-year spell of dominance from Ferrari and Michael Schumacher.

"I think the skills on track are the biggest the sport has seen and he did something that I thought was impossible to do, which was beating Michael [Schumacher]," Vettel explained.

"When I grew up it was like Michael is the number one and impossible to beat and Fernando started beating him, so I think that is an achievement.

"Obviously, he has had such a long career, so many different cars, so I consider it a pleasure to race beside him and fight him on the track."

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