Alonso sets the fastest time ahead of Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix.

The double world champion Fernando Alonso set the fastest time lap in the first practice session ahead of Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix.

Meanwhile new kid on the block and championship leader Lewis Hamilton, had several close shaves with the Brickyard's infamous walls but managed to avoid any collisions.

The Spaniard was the only driver to post a sub 1:12.00 lap of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a time of one minute 11.925 ahead of Nick Heidfeld in a BMW Sauber and fellow McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton.

Watch out for German teenager Sebastian Vettel, who is set to make his full Formula One debut on Sunday in place of injured team mate Robert Kubica, the 19-year-old will be the youngest driver on track, Vettel was fourth quickest on Friday's practice session.