Double world champion Fernando Alonso stated he was prepared for a recent begin as he examined the newest Renault Method One automobile in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Spaniard, a two-times Le Mans 24 Hours winner, has not competed in a Grand Prix since he left McLaren on the finish of 2018 however is returning subsequent 12 months as substitute for departing Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
“It’s going to be like a brand new starting, getting stunned concerning the pace of the automobile, the braking efficiency, the nook pace, a variety of issues that may shock me as soon as once more,” the 39-year-old stated earlier than the filming day.
The check within the RS20 automobile got here 20 years after Alonso first examined with Benetton — the workforce that then grew to become Renault — on the identical circuit.
Alonso stated getting ready for the restricted mileage outing had been difficult by COVID-19 restrictions, with fewer days within the simulator to regulate, however the run was value it.
“The sensation was good. I believe the automobile is clearly outperforming me in the mean time, as a result of I can’t extract the utmost from the automobile,” he stated after finishing the utmost 100km allowed.
“Getting again to the F1 pace will not be really easy. I used to be bettering lap after lap, and making an attempt to provide suggestions to the engineers. Additionally we had some filming to do, so there have been cameras, there have been drones following on observe.”
Workforce boss Cyril Abiteboul stated after Sunday’s Eifel Grand Prix at Germany’s Nuerburgring, the place Ricciardo completed third for Renault’s first podium since their return as a constructor in 2016, that Alonso was champing to return.
“We acquired a message earlier than, throughout and after the race,” stated the Frenchman.
“I believe Fernando is sort of a huge shark. And as quickly as he begins to really feel the blood he desires to assault. That’s what I see – I see a shark very hungry.”
The Spaniard, who gained his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, has competed within the Dakar Rally and Indianapolis 500 since he was final in Method One.
