Fernando Alonso sets the scene.
More than two years after his last Grand Prix, the two-time world champion (2005 and 2006) will return to Formula 1 with the Bahrain Grand Prix this Sunday (5 p.m.).
Where he will find a competitive grid, as he noticed at the microphone of the
BBC
.
“There are a lot of young talents, who have already proven a lot in the lower categories,” observes the Spanish driver.
And then we have the champions who were there two years ago: Lewis (Hamilton), Sebastian (Vettel), Kimi (Raikkonen).
We can also include Verstappen, although he is part of the younger generation, he has already been at the top level for five years.
It will be a great challenge to beat all these beautiful people on the track. ”
So many competitors against which Alonso nevertheless ensures that he feels “better”.
Winter testing done.
In 2 weeks we go RACING @ AlpineF1Team # alpine # f1 # bahrainpic.twitter.com / QspwUGINXX
- Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) March 14, 2021
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No "miracle" in 2021
"Lucky" not to see his season in any way compromised by his jaw fracture following a bicycle accident last February, the soon to be in his forties (he will have them at the end of July) - who will wear two titanium plates in his jaw - poster still very high ambitions on the eve of his 313rd Grand Prix start: "I'm back with a view to performing well, having the chance to win races and of course to fight for the title."
However, the native of Asturias remains lucid on the chances of Alpine to perform well with in particular the freezing of the engines for this season, following a vintage 2020 below expectations last year, with a fifth place in the manufacturer ranking for the Renault F1 Team.
“We are aware that it will be impossible (
to play for the title
) this year because the regulations are a little different, even if generally modeled on the previous years.
So I don't see any miracles happening. ”
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Esteban Ocon's new teammate, on the other hand, is already planned for next season: “in 2022, there is a chance that the order of the grid will change a bit and we want to be part of those surprises.
For that, we have to work hard starting this year. ”
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