Finally, after a number of rumors and speculations that have been swirling around for months, Renault has confirmed the signing of Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard will join the team in 2021 as a replacement for the McLaren bound Daniel Ricciardo. He will partner the 24-year-old Frenchmen, Esteban Ocon.
The news would no doubt bring plenty of joy to Renault F1 fans. After all the good memories they have of Alonso winning the championship with them twice, how could they not be delighted.
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However, the fans of the French outfit aren’t the only ones looking forward to Alonso’s return. Even team boss Cyril Abiteboul is looking forward to welcoming the F1 legend back to the team.
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Cyril Abiteboul praises Fernando Alonso
Shortly after Renault’s official Twitter page broke the news of the Spaniard’s return, they posted a video of Abiteboul, welcoming Alonso for 2021.
In the video, Abiteboul said, “I am pleased to announce the return of Fernando Alonso to Renault DP World F1 Team, starting next year. Since our title in 2005 and 2006, the link between Renault and Fernando has remained very close.
“Today he shares our ambition for the 2022 season. His racing qualities are proven and we are convinced that he will be an outstanding team player.
“As always, there will be others on the way. But we are faced with his love for the sport and his loyalty to Renault. Welcome back, Fernando.”
“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached." – Cyril Abiteboul pic.twitter.com/5hkhKqGd1V
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) July 8, 2020
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Fernando Alonso’s last race in Formula One took place at Abu Dhabi in 2018. Since then, Alonso has participated in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he has seen a great deal of success.
He has won 5 of the 8 endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, twice. Currently, he has his eyes set on completing the ‘Triple-Crown’ in motorsport, by winning the Indy 500.
As for Renault and Abiteboul, their focus will now switch back to the 2020 season. They didn’t have the best of starts to the campaign after Daniel Ricciardo retired and Esteban Ocon only finished in 8th place.
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However, there were signs of improvement from last year, through the course of the weekend. They’ll be hoping for a much better result in the second race in Austria this week.