Alonso returns to cockpit for Renault F1 test

Fernando Alonso made his first Formula 1 track appearance since the announcement of his Renault return at Barcelona on Tuesday of this week.

The two-time world champion was driving the current Renault F1 car in a promotional/ filming day, with 100km of running allowed.

“It’s going to be an amazing feeling, after two years not driving an F1,” said Alonso – whose last outing came with Mclaren in April 2019 – before the test.

“I think it’s going to be like a new beginning, getting surprised about the speed of the car, the braking performance, the cornering speed, a lot of things that will surprise me once again.

“It is very special to be back in Barcelona. I remember my first test with

Benetton in the year 2000 was in Barcelona, and it’s going to be in the same circuit 20 years after that first test, it’s going to be one of the last opportunities with the car name on the Renault brand, because next year it’s going to change.”

Alonso, who has spent time at the Renault factory in recent weeks, returns to the F1 grid in 2021 alongside Esteban Ocon, with the team renamed Alpine.