“I’m a More Competent Driver Now Than Two Years Ago”: Fernando Alonso

Alpine has a returning two-time world champion joining them in 2020 – Fernando Alonso. The Spanish driver returns to the grid after leaving the sport in 2018, since then he has been driving in other motorsports, improving his driving ability.

However, Alonso had a bike accident in February which saw him sustain a terrible injury and raised questions about his return to the track. Good news was soon to come, as he is now fully fit for accompanying the team when they go to Bahrain for pre-season testing.

The 39-year-old won his two championships with the previous identity of Alpine, which makes his comeback more poetic. Alonso will drive alongside Esteban Ocon as they take to the grid and help Alpine get some wins in their debut season.

Fernando Alonso is bringing the experience that he learned during his time away from F1

The Spaniard drove in the Dakar rally, World Endurance Championship, and had another go at the Indy 500. All these motorsports experiences had given Alonso immense knowledge and is looking to bring that into Formula One.

Alonso said, “I became a more complete driver, You constantly learn when you push yourself to new limits and when you are out of your comfort zone. Without a doubt, I’m a more competent driver now than two years ago.”

He added, “I want to improve even more as a driver. I took a lot of learnings from the last two years away from the sport, and I want to consolidate these and apply them in F1. For example, different philosophies of racing, driving techniques, and approaches to work ethic.”

A fruitful return of the champion?

This will be Alonso’s third stint with the French team and is hoping to make an impact once he is behind the wheel.

Alpine has one of the most beautiful cars on the grid and a talented lineup with the veteran Spaniard and the exceptional Ocon. Not to forget Daniil Kvyat, who would join the team as a reserve. The team will be hoping to fight the midfield battle and prove they are a fighting force as well in their debut season.

Alonso will be seen behind the wheel of the A521 when the team reaches Bahrain to conduct pre-season testing held later this month. The team will stay there for the opening race due on March 28. The world of F1 patiently waits as they want to see Alonso zipping around the track, showing that he hasn’t forgotten how to drive an F1 car.

Also Read: ‘A Big Responsibility’: Renault CEO Luca de Meo on Having 2-Time F1 Champ Fernando Alonso