Alonso ready to get F1 return "underway" despite jaw-break crash

Fernando Alonso has declared himself ready to get his Formula 1 return "underway" despite fracturing his jaw in a cycling accident.

The two-time F1 champion was involved in a crash with a car in the car park of a Lidl supermarket in the Swiss town of Lugano on Thursday afternoon.

Alonso, who makes his F1 comeback with the rebranded Alpine team after a two-year break, was taken to a local hospital where he underwent corrective surgery.

The 39-year-old is to remain in hospital for at least the next 48 hours under observation but is expected to make a complete recovery in time to take part in pre-season testing that runs from March 12-14 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Alonso has since taken to social media to thank everyone for all their kind thoughts and remarks, and has made clear he is itching to get going this year.

"Thanks for all your well wishes, I'm ok and looking forward to getting 2021 underway," wrote Alonso on Twitter. "Let's gooooooooooooooo."

Thanks for all your wishes, I’m ok and looking forward to getting 2021 underway.????
Let’s gooooooooooooooo

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) February 12, 2021