(Motorsport news) Two time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has extended his contract with Alpine after impressing since his return to the grid. The 40 year old Spaniard will team up with Esteban Ocon next year, having completed 20 years in Formula 1 since his debut at the age of 19 in 2001.
In an interview on Formula 1’s website, Alonso said “ “It is a pleasure to work again with some of the brightest minds in our sport at Enstone and Viry-Chatillon. It’s been a tricky season for everyone, but we’ve shown progress as a team and the result in Hungary serves as a good example of this progression.
“We’re targeting more positive memories for the rest of this season but also crucially from next year onwards with the new regulation changes coming into Formula 1. I have been a big supporter of the need for a level playing field and change in the sport and the 2022 season will be a great opportunity for that. I am looking forward to the rest of this year and racing alongside Esteban in 2022 for Alpine.”
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi added: “We are very pleased to confirm Fernando for next season, partnering with Esteban. For us it is a perfect driver line-up, amongst the strongest on the grid. It works in a hugely complementary way, with both offering raw talent and speed, yet impeccable team spirit that delivered our first win in Hungary.
“Fernando has impressed us all since he returned to the sport at the beginning of this year. His dedication, teamwork and focus to extract the maximum from the team is incredible to be a part of and certainly special to witness. His performance in Hungary was another example of his racing pedigree and reminded everyone how skilled a driver he is.
“I am convinced we can benefit strongly from Fernando’s insight and experience as we enter the final development and optimization phase of the 2022 chassis and power unit. He is just as hungry as we are for success and is putting in every effort to translate it to performance.
“For now, however, we need to focus on delivering a strong second half of the year, extract the maximum at every race and ensure we finish as high up in the constructors’ standings as possible. This will put us in a golden position for next year and the significant opportunity it brings.”
Alonso had previously distanced himself from Formula 1 three years ago after a disappointing spell with McLaren in order to pursue different motorsport disciplines Dakar Rally and Le Mans. In 2019, he won the World Endurance Championship with Toyota which included back to back wins at the Le Mans 24 hours.
Alonso returned to Formula 1 last year, having featured for Alpine in 2003-06 and 2008-09 where he won his two World Championships. As the saying goes “Form is temporary, class is permanent” Alonso hit the ground running and outperformed Ocon initially, who recently signed a new long term contract with Alpine. The Renault owned team are currently fifth in the Constructors Championship and will be hoping that the different rules for 2021 will help the team move up the ladder.
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