Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will remain with the Alpine F1 team next season, along with Hungarian Grand Prix winner Esteban Ocon.
The 40-year-old Spaniard returned to F1 with the Groupe Renault factory team after a two-season hiatus, recently taking a season-best fourth place in Hungary. His defense against Lewis Hamilton in this race played a key role in helping Ocon secure the victory.
This is Alonso’s third stint with the Oxfordshire-based Renault squad, and this extension means he will continue to race for the introduction of the new technical rules next season. Alonso’s experience in automotive development was one of the main reasons for Alpine’s decision to sign it ahead of the new regulations.
Ocon recently signed a three-year extension with Alpine, giving the team driver stability for next year. Alpine boss Laurent Rossi described the duo as “a perfect roster of drivers” which “works in a hugely complementary fashion, delivering both raw talent and speed, but impeccable team spirit”.
He added, “I have no doubts that we can greatly benefit from Fernando’s insight and experience as we enter the final stages of development and optimization of the 2022 chassis and powertrain. He is equally eager. that we are successful and does everything to translate it into performance. “
Alonso has made 322 races during his F1 career, currently tied with Rubens Barrichello for the second most starts in F1 history behind Kimi Räikkönen, who has made 340 races to date. The Spaniard has won 32 races, although the last of them came with Ferrari in 2012. His two world titles were won with Renault in 2005 and 2006.
Alpine is currently evaluating a full hypercar program to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which could potentially start in 2023. Rossi recently said that Alonso, who won Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship with Toyota in his break from F1, could be considered for this project.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-26 09:44:33
