Alonso involved in road accident while cycling in Switzerland

Fernando Alonso is awaiting further medical examinations after being involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.

The two-time Formula 1 champion is due to return to the sport this year with the newly-rebranded Alpine team following a two-year hiatus.

A team statement read: "Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.

"Fernando is conscious and well in himself and is awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning.

"Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow [Friday]."

The 39-year-old's return to F1 was confirmed in early July last year as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo who had signed a pre-contract agreement to join McLaren at the end of last year.

After leaving McLaren at the end of the 2018 season and seemingly retiring from F1, Alonso then kept himself busy winning the Le Mans 24 Hours and World Endurance Championship, along with victory in the Daytona 24-Hour race, an attempt at the Dakar Rally and a tilt at the Indianapolis 500.

After his return was announced at a time when the team was known as Renault, the Spaniard then threw himself into preparing for his comeback, notably taking part in private tests and, controversially, the 'young driver' test following the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Alonso is known to be an avid cycling fan, at one stage considering setting up his own professional team. He regularly turns to two wheels as part of his training regimes.

There will be obvious concern that any injuries sustained will not be too serious with pre-season testing due to begin in four weeks' time in Bahrain followed by the first race at the circuit a fortnight later.

In the wake of the news, a number of drivers and teams have tweeted their 'get well soon' messages and obviously hoping he is not too seriously injured.

Ánimo @alo_oficial. Esperemos que no sea nada y te recuperes lo antes posible!

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) February 11, 2021

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Fernando 🙏

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 11, 2021

Get well soon @alo_oficial https://t.co/5DEavi1hkM

— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) February 11, 2021

🙏 https://t.co/tRIsgiEe6r

— Pedro de la Rosa (@PedrodelaRosa1) February 11, 2021

Get well soon @alo_oficial 🤞🏽💪🏽 https://t.co/5ykUEQ0joL

— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) February 11, 2021

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