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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Alpine are all set to launch their 2021 F1 car, A521, on March 2. Amid the nearing event, a huge uncertainty has been prevailing over the availability of Fernando Alonso, who is recovering from a road accident. Well, the French outfit finally opened up about the matter.
In a statement, Alpine confirmed that their recently recruited driver will not be taking part in the car launch. This is because the Spaniard missed a huge chunk of pre-season preparation time in recovering from the accident.
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Alonso suffered a rather scary crash while cycling on the Swiss roads near Lugano. The two-time world champion collided with a car, leaving him stranded on the road with a jaw fracture.
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Fernando Alonso of Spain and Renault Sport F1 poses for a photo with his 2005 F1 title-winning Renault R25 and members of the Renault team from the same year during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Hence, he had to undergo surgery. Thankfully, his recovery has been rather pacy, as he was discharged from the hospital just 48 hours after the surgery. Since then, Alonso has been vigorously training in a bid to enter the F1 grid at a much better shape. And training is exactly what’s needed for Alonso.
Thus, Alpine chose to focus on the bigger picture, and let Alonso stick to his scheduled preparation rather than flying to the UK for the launch and the press meet, especially amid the COVID-19 fear.
Alpine’s statement regarding Fernando Alonso
According to Autosport, Alpine F1 revealed that Alonso’s Q&A session will be taking place during the pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“We regret to confirm that Fernando Alonso will not be present for the media Q&A on this occasion. The sanitary situation and corresponding regulations in place do not allow him to do any communications and marketing activities while he undertakes his critical season preparation.
“We will instead publish a Q&A with Fernando for media use and he will be available for media in Bahrain for official pre-season testing,” Alpine stated.
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Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
Although the Spaniard won’t be physically available for the launch, he is expected to make a virtual cameo. Furthermore, his teammate, Esteban Ocon, will be joining the team in the UK.
Along with the Frenchman, racing director, Davide Brivio, and Alpine CEO, Laurent Rossi, will also be joining the team for the launch on Tuesday.
This is definitely a star-studded line-up at Alpine.
So, will these big names help the French outfit rise up to rule the Formula 1 grid? Only time will tell.
Read More: Fernando Alonso’s Cycling Accident Isn’t the First Time the Ex F1 Champion Had a Close Shave
