James Warren
FORMULA 1 legend Fernando Alonso has announced his plans for the remainder of the 2020 season with a strict lead up to his full time return in 2021.
The 39-year-old will make his return to the premier class next year with the rebranded Renault Team, a manufacturer that took him to two world titles.
Announced on his social media pages, Alonso has announced that he has joined the team earlier than planned in order to fully prepare himself for his return.
Colours of the new Alpine Formula 1 team were posted on his Instagram account along with a brief statement announcing his development work with the team.
“My plan for this year is to start work with the team,” said Alonso, “I will be working on the simulator, attending as many GP’s as possible and helping where I can, batteries fully loaded!”
Alonso, alongside team manager Luca de Meo, has set realistic goals for the for 2021.
“The car has improved in performance. Next year we will not improve much, but we will improve in 2022,” said de Meo to Spanish Sport outlet Marca.
“In this phase, having an expert person like Fernando is very good for us on a technical and organizational level,”
The arrival of Alonso, fresh of the latest Indy 500 race in the US, is aimed at rejuvenating the French performance offshoot of Renault.
“Alpine is a beautiful brand that brings a smile to the faces of its fans. By introducing this symbol of French excellence into the world’s most prestigious automotive disciplines, we continue the manufacturers’ adventure in a renewed sport,” said de Meo.
Formula 1 in Spain is currently on a high as fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr took his best ever result at last weekends Italian Grand Prix.
The Madrid native took second position in a hard fought battle with Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly to claim his first podium finish and a welcome boost to Spanish motorsport.
