Before 2021, first test session for Alonso with Renault
The double world champion completed his first laps aboard the Renault in private testing this Tuesday in Barcelona. 2 years after leaving McLaren, Fernando Alonso has returned to F1!
The beautiful week continues for the Renault F1 Team: following Daniel Ricciardo’s podium at the Nürburgring this Sunday, the French team has reunited with its hero of the early 2000s. Fernando Alonso got behind the wheel of a Renault this Tuesday!
The double world champion conducted a private test session in Barcelona in preparation for the next season. Two years after leaving the McLaren seat and an interlude in WEC-IndyCar-Dakar, the Spaniard drove two different cars: the 2018 F1 (the R.S from 2018) and the R.S.20 from this season… driven this season by Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon.
Limited driving to 100 kilometers
Although we don’t know Alonso’s lap times, we do know that his driving stint did not exceed 100 kilometers, in accordance with regulations. This driving was done with Pirelli demonstration tires, as part of a promotional day. The future Renault driver therefore drove with cameras and drones around him.
After returning to the Enstone (chassis) and Viry-Chatillon (engine) factories and working on the simulator in recent weeks, the “Bull of Asturias” is gradually getting back into the swing of things. Alonso is on the verge of his third stint with Renault, following the one between 2003 and 2006 and the one between 2008 and 2009.
First impression, in any case “good” for Alonso, who spoke this afternoon through a video posted on the Renault team’s Instagram account.
« The feeling was good. I think I underperformed at certain moments: I couldn’t extract the maximum from the car! Returning to Formula 1 speed is not so simple. But I improved lap by lap. Yes, the car has potential! »
Alonso: « Coming back to Formula 1 speed is not so simple. But I improved lap by lap. Yes, the car has potential! »
As a reminder, Alonso will race next year with Ocon for the Alpine brand, which is part of the Renault group.
He couldn’t wait any longer, @alo_oficial is back out on track! ????⚫️#RSspirit #FernandoAlonso pic.twitter.com/YrCU5zb1aZ
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) October 13, 2020
