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McLaren has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will drive the MCL34 at the in-season test in Bahrain next week.
Alonso left Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season after spending four years with McLaren. The Spaniard joined McLaren after failing to pick up a championship with Ferrari.
However his time at McLaren failed to produce strong results as it struggled with former engine supplier Honda. After switching to Renault in 2018, it was still not able to produce convincing results.
The lack of competitiveness and lack of battling in the midfield left Alonso to take the decision to depart F1 after 17 years.
Alonso will drive for one and a half of the two days of running, alongside compatriot Carlos Sainz who is racing full-time for the Woking squad in 2019.
The double world champion will jump behind the wheel on Tuesday for the whole day before driving the car once again in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (10)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Admit it, Alo, you long back to the grid.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I don't think he misses F1 too badly right now, especially with another mediocre McLaren car. However, in sure he's keen to stay close in case he has a chance to make a comeback. Also, having Alonso around always gets people talking, he's good for the sport. A truly divisive icon of F1. Only passionate fans and haters. Very little in between
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I don't think he misses McLaren, but I do think he is still pursuing some kind of seat.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Also AJ: I'd like to disprove your theory, because I am the living example of the "meh" regarding Alonso. I don't like or dislike him, I think he is a good driver, but he's never been a favourite of mine, and he doesn't really annoy me either.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@calle point taken, you're honestly the first ambivalent Alonso observer
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
The first and possibly only. I might be more rare than an albino kakapo.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
He is going to comeback into F1 next year. may be in a Renault?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Only if either Ric or Hulk leave, and I kinda find it unlikely unless another door open for either driver (I could kinda see Ric return to RB, depending on how things play out).
LightIsRight
Posts: 113
He is testing Dakar Hilux bakkies in South Africa this week with Toyota Gazoo racing. Do you really think he will make a come back? He is out exploring the world of motorsport. I can see him in rally cross soon though...
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
And some people say he doesn't want to get back into F1. ;)