Alonso set for 2021 Formula 1 return with Renault

Fernando Alonso is set to make a Formula 1 comeback with Renault in 2021 after a two-year absence, in place of McLaren-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

Multiple reports have indicated that Alonso will reunite with Renault for a third stint at the manufacturer, where he won both of his Formula 1 titles in the mid-2000s.

An announcement is due to be made as early as Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming Styrian Grand Prix, the second round of the delayed 2020 campaign.

Renault has had a vacancy for 2021 ever since it was announced in mid-May that Ricciardo was to join McLaren next season as a replacement for Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz Jr.

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Alonso, who will turn 39 later this month, last competed in Formula 1 in 2018 when he ended his four-year spell at McLaren, though he went on to test its 2019 car in Bahrain.

The Spaniard competed for Renault from 2002 to 2006 and 2008/09, either side of his first stint at McLaren, winning 17 grands prix and two titles.

He has also competed for Minardi (2001) and Ferrari (2010-14) in a Formula 1 career that has so far yielded 32 wins from 314 events.

Since stepping back from a Formula 1 seat at the end of 2018 Alonso wrapped up the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship title, via a second Le Mans 24 Hours win, and completed the Dakar Rally.

He is also due to make a third attempt at the Indianapolis 500 next month with McLaren Racing, having failed to qualify last year amid a series of mistakes and setbacks.

Alonso is due to partner incumbent Esteban Ocon next year.