Alonso will require titanium plate removal post-season

Fernando Alonso has revealed he will require further surgery at the end of the forthcoming season to have two titanium plates removed from his jaw.

Ahead of his much-anticipated return to Formula 1 after a two-year hiatus, Alonso was involved in a road accident whilst cycling in the Swiss town of Lugano in mid-February.

The Spaniard was taken to a local hospital where he required surgery on his upper jaw.

Alonso has now confirmed he will undergo a second operation, but only necessary once he has completed the record-breaking 23-race calendar with Alpine.

"I have two titanium plates on the upper jaw that will be removed at the end of the season," said Alonso.

"So there is still something going on after the championship finishes but it will not be affecting my professional life.”

Despite the surgery and the fact he required the plates, Alonso has confirmed he is fully fit to face his comeback, with the 39-year-old Spaniard to get his first taste of the Alpine A521 on Saturday in Bahrain.

“I don’t expect any issues," said Alonso. "Honestly, I have been training now for three weeks, or two weeks, absolutely normal.

"I have been in the simulator as well on Monday and Tuesday so the preparations were not affected too much.

“I missed only a couple of marketing days and filming days which I was happy [to miss] in a way. I recorded everything yesterday afternoon so I had a very intensive day of marketing activities.

“I feel fine. Obviously, one thing is the professional side and the driving side which I am 100 per cent."

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