Alonso back at Renault factory as 2021 preparations begin

Fernando Alonso returned to Renault’s Formula 1 factory in the UK on Monday as he ramped up preparations for his comeback to the championship.

It was confirmed in May that Alonso will end a two-year absence from the Formula 1 grid in 2021 by linking up with Renault for a third spell.

Alonso previously raced for Renault across 2003-06, taking two world titles, and spent another two-year spell at the marque in 2008-09.

Alonso visited its Enstone base on Monday as he continued preparations for his full-time return to the championship.

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“An incredible thrill to go back to the factory,” Alonso wrote on his social media pages.

“I came to Renault in 2002, when I was 21 years old, I know every corner of this place, every corridor, every door.

“It has been a very special day. We [have] started.”

Renault, which will be rebranded as Alpine for 2021 amid the company’s wider restructuring, posted: “Suited and booted, back to Enstone to meet our engineering team!

“Welcome back Fernando, let’s get 2021 prep underway, shall we?”

Alonso has remained active in motorsport since his last Formula 1 race in November 2018, competing in WEC, the Dakar Rally, and last month’s Indianapolis 500.

He will partner Esteban Ocon at Alpine next year in the wake of Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to join McLaren, replacing Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz.

Renault has already ruled out running Alonso in a free practice session at a grand prix this year though it is understood to be evaluating whether he can test the R.S.20 post-season in Abu Dhabi.