Fired-up Alonso sending Renault motivation soaring

Renault executive director Marcin Budkowski has claimed Fernando Alonso's passion for his Formula 1 return is sending motivation soaring across the team.

Alonso makes his F1 comeback in 2021 after a two-year sabbatical, but far from the double world champion resting on old laurels, the Spaniard has integrated himself firmly into the workings of a marque that next season will be rebranded as Alpine.

Alonso has maintained almost constant contact with team personnel across recent race weekends, has enjoyed two tests with the 2018 car in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, and is even pushing staff to work with him at the Enstone factory on New Year's Day to assess the 2022 car when regulations alter markedly.

Budkowski has revealed that Alonso has taken "every opportunity to drive...to get used to the teams, the systems, the procedures, to fine-tune his seating position, the steering wheel, everything.

"But also he hasn’t driven the car for two years and they are bloody fast cars – sorry for the wording – and then he needs to get back in shape, get back in the rhythm so he’s taking any opportunity he can to drive."

As for what Alonso is doing for the team's morale, Budkowski added: "In terms of his enthusiasm, in terms of his determination, he’s been at the factory, obviously, to do some seat fittings.

"I took him around the factory to show him how things had changed since he was there in Enstone a number of years ago and obviously a lot has changed since then.

"But his motivation is incredible, he’s really asking everybody, pushing. You spend a few minutes with him and straight away you’re more motivated.

"It’s great for the staff to be exposed to someone like this who is not only a great champion but also is so motivated for next year and the next years to come."

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