Renault has confirmed the return of two-times F1 world champion Fernando Alonso to the sport with its F1 team.
Alonso, who won both of his F1 titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, will take the spot of Daniel Ricciardo alongside Esteban Ocon. This will be the Spaniard’s third stint with Renault in F1.
Fernando Alonso left Formula 1 in 2018 and has since raced with Toyota, winning the 2019 World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019. Alonso also raced with Toyota at the Dakar Rally and competed in the Indy 500 as part of his quest to win the triple crown.
We are back. #f1 pic.twitter.com/oK6bfbG5WB
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) July 8, 2020
“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I’m now looking ahead. It’s a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I’m returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level,” said Fernando Alonso. “The team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I.”
“The signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault’s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached,” added Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing. ”Alongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.”
Renault hopes to return on the top spots of Formula 1 when the new car rules take place in 2022.
“Renault is my family, my fondest memories in Formula One with my two World Championship titles, but I'm now looking ahead. It's a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I’m returning to the team […]" – @alo_oficial #RSspirit pic.twitter.com/H9tUKpr4OI
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) July 8, 2020