FERNANDO ALONSO spun out after only six laps on a disappointing return to action for McLaren today at Formula One’s opening pre-season test.

The double world champion, 36, lost control of his car at the final corner at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya following a wheel nut failure and was left stranded in the gravel.

Only 37 minutes had passed before Alonso’s crash and the red flags were deployed to recover his McLaren. Alonso was pictured inspecting the rear of his car before it was towed back to the garage.