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Fernando Alonso returns to the Formula 1 grid after a two-year absence from sport this season, and is ‘fully fit’ for pre-season testing despite his cycling accident earlier this year, according to his boss from Alpine.
By Matt Morlidge
Last updated: 03/09/21 7:00 am
Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is in his “best form” and “perfectly fit” for this weekend’s testing despite injuries he sustained in a cycling accident last month.
Alonso, who is making his long-awaited return to the grid – after a two-year absence – with the renamed Alpine team in 2021, saw his F1 preparations shake up in February when he was involved in a collision with a then car. that he was training in Switzerland, hospitalized for a fractured upper jaw.
But although Alonso was absent from the launch of his new car, the A521, he and the team insist he is recovering well from his surgery and will be ready for three crucial days of testing. in Bahrain, starting this Friday.
“I feel great and in the best shape I have ever been before, both physically and mentally,” said Alonso, 39, who helped launch his team via a video link.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi then confirmed to reporters: “Fernando is doing very well. He had a serious accident. A bicycle accident is rarely something that goes easily, but he was lucky and he has ended up only suffering from his jaw.
1:29 Watch how the first Formula 1 car under the Alpine name was launched ahead of the new season at the Enstone team launch
“So besides the surgery and the necessary care, the rest is going perfectly well. Fernando is in excellent shape. He is fully operational.
“We are even surprised that he recovered so quickly. He confirmed to us almost immediately after the incident that he would be in Bahrain, which was confirmed with his doctors.
“Looks like he was right because he’s absolutely fit, and we can’t wait to see him next week in the car.”
After testing in Bahrain, the season kicks off at the Sakhir circuit two weeks later on March 28.
Alonso last drove in F1 in 2018 with McLaren, and won his two titles with Renault – renamed Alpine for this year – in 2005 and 2006.
“ Motivated ”, “ demanding ”, “ determined ”: Alonso explained
Alonso has been described as “extremely motivated” and “quite demanding” ahead of his return to the sport, which he says he does with hopes of returning to the top – especially once the big rule changes of 2022 come in. force.
Alpine’s new racing director Davide Brivio said Alonso “could have had a golden streak, but he wanted to get back into the more competitive environment and compete with some of the new talent to come.”
28:17 F1 has been back since Friday – but what are the big stories in the sport heading into preseason testing? Martin Brundle, Rachel Brookes, Karun Chandhok and Ted Kravitz discuss big topics after the cars launch
Following on from his initial conversations with the Spaniard, Brivio said: “I feel like he’s a very normal guy, just extremely motivated, extremely willing to put together whatever is needed to get the most out of it. of the car, the best of the team.
“Because he’s not coming back just to drive a car. He comes back to try to get good results, to get some satisfaction.
“And yes, he’s pretty demanding, but that’s what I like. We need that type of rider who really wants to put everything in place to try to get the maximum.”
0:30 Watch seasons 1 and 2 of the original Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, with two episodes per night on Sky Sports F1 from 9:30 p.m. starting Sunday, March 14
“I welcome that kind of attitude, that kind of approach, and of course we will have to try to work together as best as possible in order to use their abilities and potential.”
Brivio also hailed Alonso as “one of the most determined sportsmen I have ever met”.
F1 test live on Sky Sports F1
Cars with a new look. New driver and team combinations. And just three days of track testing to get up to speed before the start of the new Formula 1 season.
There’s never been a preseason testing schedule like this – and you can watch it all live on Sky Sports F1 from next Friday, when Formula 1 2021 will be fully operational with three days of action in Bahrain.
With coverage starting early in the morning on March 12 and running throughout the weekend, Sky F1 will be the perfect place to watch the eight hours daily live track action – plus an evening Overview show and Ted’s test book.
Sky F1’s Martin Brundle, David Croft, Ted Kravitz, Rachel Brookes and Karun Chandhok will be in Bahrain to help tell the story of everyday track racing and all the great stories of the preseason.
Coverage for Friday, Saturday and Sunday includes:
- Live coverage of morning and afternoon track sessions
- Late night show summarizing the key moments and interviews of the day
- Ted’s test book
In addition to the Sky F1 channel, subscribers can also watch the action live on their mobile by connecting with their Sky iD on the Sky Sports app.
The Sky Sports website and app will be the home of the live digital blog with free updates, timesheets and video clips of key incidents and interviews.
You can also follow the latest updates through Sky F1 social channels.
The new 23-race F1 season begins in Bahrain on March 26-28, with each race live on Sky Sports F1 – the only place to see the entire season live.
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