Fernando Alonso defends 'young driver' appearance

Fernando Alonso

Alonso defends 'young driver' appearance

Returning two-time champion will drive for Renault in post-season young driver test

Will Gray

Wednesday 9 December 2020 09:49

Fernando Alonso has defended his Renault team’s controversial decision to run him in the young driver test in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season.

Two–time F1 champion Alonso will return to the grid in 2021 after two years out of the sport. In preparation, the FIA has given him dispensation to join a session that was originally designed to be just for young drivers.

The test has subsequently been opened up to experienced drivers Sebastien Buemi at Red Bull and Robert Kubica at Alfa Romeo.

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Ferrari has since asked for permission to allow Carlos Sainz to take part ahead of his move from McLaren next year, although this is understood to be prohibited given the Spaniard competed in this season's championship.

Racing Point has also asked the FIA for clarification as Alonso could use the day to help inform Renault's winter development ahead of the team rebranding to Alpine from 2021.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Alonso said: “Obviously, [I’ve had] two years out of the sport so I very much need every kilometre, so hopefully I can enjoy the day with no issues from the car and put in some laps.

“I know there are a lot of talks about me. I’m happy rival teams are so worried, but it is that I am just getting up to speed and they can be more relaxed because I will not develop anything, it’s just some kilometres for me."

Alonso questioned why there had not been similar complaints about Kubica and Buemi, but the point is that while both are experienced and can help with feedback, neither will actually be racing for the respective teams in 2021.

For Alonso, the test will give him his first run in Renault’s current car, as he has only used one of the team's 2018 machines to date to prepare for his return, due to regulations preventing testing of existing cars during the season.

The Spaniard has been watching the sport all season and tuned in live when Romain Grosjean had his shocking fiery accident at the start of the Bahrain GP.

Asked whether that had made him question his decision to return, he said: “It probably does the opposite. When you see these kinds of crashes and the cockpit is still quite okay, it makes you feel quite safe.

“I’m not worried at all, but watching from home it was quite bad. I think that minute and a half or two minutes when we didn’t see any replay it was quite worrying, but I’m happy Romain is okay. I was very worried, like everybody.”