Alonso enjoying ‘every lap’ back in an F1 car
Fernando Alonso says he is “enjoying” being back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as preparations for his comeback continued in Abu Dhabi.
The double World Champion spent two days putting in the laps at the Yas Marina circuit, running a Renault RS18.
Formula 1 regulations state that any running not carried out on a grand prix weekend must be done in a car that is two or more years older than the current car.
Alonso covered 74 laps on Sunday and a further 116 on Monday.
“Just finished our second day of testing here in Abu Dhabi, we had two in Bahrain and two here,” he said.
“It was fantastic to be back in the car, to feel the Formula 1 speed again in the 2018 car, getting to know the procedures of the team.
“I enjoyed every single lap.
“I can’t wait for next year to be back racing and meanwhile I will support the team in the final races.”
Alonso is returning to the grid with Renault next season when he will partner Esteban Ocon, with Daniel Ricciardo moving to McLaren.
116 laps today, 74 yesterday… @alo_oficial has completed our extensive testing programme with his new best friend: the R.S.18. @BAH_Int_Circuit AND @ymcofficial? ✅#RSspirit pic.twitter.com/1TWyBENroJ
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) November 16, 2020
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Monday’s outing could be Alonso’s final run before climbing into the car at next year’s pre-season testing.
Renault had hoped to run the Spaniard in this year’s post-season Young Driver Test but that was blocked by rivals.
Team boss Cyril Abiteboul told Gazzetta dello Sport: “We noticed a collaborative spirit, and we believed it was possible and then a team got in the way, not granting approval.
“It was the Racing Point. And so we won’t have Nando on the track.”
Racing Point, though, wasn’t the only team against the idea with McLaren’s Andreas Seidl saying: “I can’t really see how he fits into the sole purpose of a young driver.
“If he were to get defined as a young driver, to be honest, I think it would be simply a great message for all of us, because I consider myself also as a young F1 team member, which makes me feel good!
“At the same time it does not justify that this test will go ahead.”
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