Alonso completes final planned F1 test in Abu Dhabi

Fernando Alonso is to remain in the Middle East for Formula 1's end-of-season triple-header in the region to support Renault after completing his latest test in Abu Dhabi.

Alonso began his on-track preparations for his F1 return next year with a recent two-day test in Bahrain and backed this up with a further outing in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and Monday.

Again driving the RS18, Alonso banked 74 laps on Sunday as his future competitors slipped around Istanbul Park in the Turkish Grand Prix, and added a further 116 laps on Monday.

Addressing fans via the Renault F1 Instagram account, Alonso said: "We've just finished our second day of testing in Abu Dhabi.

"It was fantastic to be back in the car, to feel the Formula 1 speed again with the 2018 car and get to know a little bit the procedures of the team, and I enjoyed every single lap."

F1 finishes this season with two races in Bahrain - the second on the Sakhir circuit's short outer ring - on November 29 and December 6 respectively, before completing the Covid-hit campaign in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Alonso added: "I can't wait for next year, to be back racing, and meanwhile I will support the team in the final races and see you very soon."

Renault had hoped to be able to run Alonso in the current specification RS20 at the post-season young driver test, only for this plan to be met with opposition from rival teams, including McLaren and Racing Point.

Regulations surrounding the test stipulate drivers "must be in possession of an International A Licence; and unless otherwise approved by the FIA, not have competed in more than two F1 world championship races during their career".

Given two-time champion Alonso's F1 history, it appears unlikely - although not impossible - an exemption will be granted.

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