F1 News
Alonso earlier in action for Renault? "We're discussing this with the FIA''
- GPblog.com
Fernando Alonso will join Renault in 2021 and where the Spaniard had initially indicated that he did not need a test, Renault is now in the process of putting the double world champion in the car for 2021.
Surely Alonso has been in action for Renault before?
With the departure of Daniel Ricciardo to McLaren, Renault was left with a hole. Esteban Ocon is still under contract for 2021, but with Alonso a new leader was appointed. However, the two-time world champion hasn't been in an F1 car for two years and now wants to do a test.
''Initially Fernando wanted to drive when the time was right, but now I really get the feeling that he already has a lot of desire to get into the current car. So we are looking at an opportunity to make that happen. But I'm not talking about a first free practice, because he doesn't need that'', Cyril Abiteboul excludes an Alonso performance in a Grand Prix weekend.
Alonso wants to perform as early as 2021
The other option is to take part in the test in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season, but without FIA approval, Formula 1 teams may only use drivers who have completed a maximum of two F1 races. ''That is certainly an option we are looking at. We are in talks with the FIA about this," said the team boss of Renault to Motorsport.com.
However, Alonso is keen to get into the car. Where 2022 seemed to be the goal at first, Abiteboul now indicates that Alonso also sees opportunities in 2021. ''In the beginning it was mainly about the future, but now he also sees that we have interesting battles on the track and he uses that as motivation," concludes the Frenchman.