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Formula 1: Fernando Alonso will return to Renault in 2021

The rumor has been around for a few months. The double Spanish Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will regain the queen category of motorsport within Renault “from the 2021 season”, after two years of absence, confirmed the team in a press release Wednesday July 8 2020. The duration of Alonso’s contract, which will be 39 years old on July 29, is not specified. It is only indicated that he “joined Renault DP World F1 Team for the next seasons”.

His inglorious withdrawal in late 2018 from the top category of motorsport after a series of disastrous campaigns at McLaren did not taste like an epilogue. The 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Dakar, the 500 Miles of Indianapolis, the Iberian displayed his still keen love for motor racing and his desire to return to F1. But still he had to find a steering wheel. Placed by rumor at Red Bull then at Ferrari, it will finally be welcomed by Renault next year for a very media reunion.

“The strength of the link between him, the team and the fans makes it a natural choice,” explains his future boss Cyril Abiteboul. Beyond past successes (pilot and constructor titles in 2005 and 2006, editor’s note), it is a daring mutual choice as well as a project to write the future. “He will also bring to our team, which has experienced very rapid growth (since his return to F1 in 2016, editor’s note), a culture of racing and winning to overcome obstacles together,” added the Frenchman. With the Australian Daniel Ricciardo leaving for McLaren, the diamond team was looking for an experienced driver to support the young French hope Esteban Ocon.

” Best memories “

For the native of Oviedo, Renault certainly does not offer as many chances of immediate success as Mercedes, Red Bull or Ferrari, but the manufacturer announced in May that he would stay in F1 in the long term with the aim of returning to the highest step of the podium. “Renault is my family, these are my best memories in Formula 1 with my two world champion titles, but I’m looking forward,” said Alonso. “I have convictions and ambitions in line with the stable project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives of the 2022 season, and for my part, I will bring all my racing experience to share it with everyone, engineers, mechanics, teammates. The team wants and has the means to find the podiums, too. “

With 17 victories between 2003 and 2008 and the titles of world champion 2005 and 2006, the one we nicknamed the Bull of Asturias knows that the French brand is capable of it, especially with a new financial regulation for F1 in 2021, which could level the gaps. Renowned for his sometimes shady character, Alonso is considered one of the best pilots of his generation, who could have won far more than two titles. A difficult year at McLaren in 2007 alongside a Lewis Hamilton on the rise, then five other frustrating ones at Ferrari before an inconclusive return to McLaren then in full decline, barely damaged its reputation.

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