Alonso – “Only the time counts in F1, not the age”​

As sensational as it is, Fernando Alonso's second comeback at Renault is, however, accompanied by many questions, starting with the ability of the Iberian to regain his best level after 2 seasons away from the F1 and at the dawn of his 40th birthday.

These doubts were swept aside by the person concerned during a remote press conference organized this Wednesday.

“This season, everyone is in the same boat, F1 has only been able to carry out one Grand Prix and I have three weeks of competition in my legs with the Paris-Dakar in January, has explained Alonso, small polo shirt Renault on his shoulders, from his personal museum located in Oviedo.  

“Renault is my family, these are my best memories in F1 with my two World Champion titles, but I am looking ahead. It is for me an immense pride but also a great emotion to find this team […]” – @alo_oficial #RSspirit pic.twitter.com/wa7zl3EjJR

- Renault F1 Team (@ RenaultF1Team) July 8, 2020

These are the only references we have. The planet has stopped spinning. Last year, I raced in the different championships Endurance, whether in WEC or IMSA. And I was also preparing for the Dakar. I was behind the wheel almost every week.

I feel ready. I'm 100% when it comes to driving. On a physical level, I started a very specific preparation program in February. 15 days ago, I carried out fitness tests and I achieved the best results of my career. I am very happy, extremely motivated, and stronger than ever.

Only the clock counts in Formula 1, not age. I have never seen the ranking of a race be based on the date of birth of the participants. I hope I’m still as fast, or even faster than the younger generation.”

Goal 2022

If today's announcement concerns the 2021 season, Alonso has a multi-year contract and does not hide his enthusiasm at the idea of ​​discovering the new technical regulations which should make it possible to reshuffle the cards and narrow the gaps on the grid by 2022.

Will the double world champion (2005-2006 with Renault) agree to experience a new transition season next year?

“I am aware of the reality of things, Alonso replied. I haven't lived in a cave in the last two years. I watch the sport on television and I know that only one team can win this season and probably next year too. We focus on our own subject. I hope that the 2022 rules will give rise to a fairer sport with tighter competition between teams and less latitude to make technical discoveries that could give you a big advantage.

We have enough time to work on this program and build the necessary momentum. I hope that this announcement will provide additional motivation to the troops. I am relaxed and I know what to expect in 2021. I am hopeful for 2022. We are here to build something together, and build something solid. Renault has all the ingredients for this: investments and infrastructure.”

Also online during this new video conference, Cyril Abiteboul, Renault team principal, believes that the return of Alonso next year will allow “to instill a culture of winning” with a view to 2022, the Losange's declared objective after confirming its long-term commitment to F1 at the end of May.