Renault has received permission from the FIA to field Fernando Alonso at this month’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 will stay on at the Yas Marina Circuit for a one-day test on December 15, two days after the season-ending grand prix at the venue.
The test had initially been open only to drivers with two or fewer starts grand prix starts but this has now been tweaked.
It means that Alonso, who will return to Formula 1 with the rebranded Alpine squad next season, will be able to have a full day behind the wheel of Renault’s R.S.20.
Alonso previously tested the R.S.20 in Spain but his running was limited to 100km on Pirelli’s promotional tyres on account of it being officially assigned as one of the team’s two filming days.
Alonso has most recently undertaken substantial running in Renault’s 2018 car during private test days in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
Renault will also field Formula 2 driver Guanyu Zhou during the test.
“We would like to thank the FIA and F1 for their acceptance of our test plans, made in recognition of our commitment to young drivers throughout junior motorsport and to Fernando’s own dedication to furthering the careers of young talents,” said Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.
“Zhou has experienced the benefit of the Renault Sport Academy, having joined its ranks last year. He has worked hard and made a genuine contribution to the performance of the team through his work in the simulator and test programme.
“I am delighted he can drive the R.S.20 to complement his journey so far.
“For Fernando this will be the next step in his return. He has worked tirelessly to make sure he is as ready as he possibly can be for 2021. He wants to contribute fully – not just to the team, but to the fans and the sport he has missed in the past two years.”
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