Alonso enjoying ‘every single lap’ back in F1 car
Wrapping up a two-day test in Abu Dhabi, Fernando Alonso “enjoyed every single lap” in the RS18.
Alonso’s preparations for his comeback continued on Sunday and Monday as the Spaniard took to the Yas Marina circuit in a two-year old Renault.
Formula 1 regulations state that any running not done on a grand prix weekend must be conducted in a car that is two, or more, years older that the current car.
Alonso covered 74 laps on Sunday before adding a further 116 to his tally on the 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, and getting to know the procedures of the team.
“I enjoyed every single lap.
“I can’t wait until next year to be back racing and meanwhile I will support the team in the final races.”
The Spaniard will return to the Formula 1 grid next season with Renault, partnering Esteban Ocon with Daniel Ricciardo off to McLaren.
116 laps today, 74 yesterday… @alo_oficial has completed our https://twitter.com/RenaultF1Team/status/1328384370772733952
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Monday’s run may prove to be Alonso’s final Formula 1 outing before he climbs into the car for next year’s pre-season test.
Renault had hoped to get the go-ahead from the FIA to run the Spaniard in this year’s post-season Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, however, it looks as if a rival team has put an end to that.
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: “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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