Alonso has samurai tattoo

Fernando Alonso has kicked off the new 2012 season with a ’Samurai’ tattoo on his neck and back, Marca sports newspaper reports.

Publishing a photo of the artwork on the Ferrari driver’s neck, the Spanish publication said the tattoo features Japanese characters.

Marca said the Spaniard and two-time title winner was inspired by the Hagakure, the spiritual guide written by 18th century samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo.

The report said most of Alonso’s tattoo is on his back.