FIRST LOOK: Alonso drives Alpine’s A521 2021 F1 car

Fernando Alonso has made his debut behind the wheel of Alpine’s 2021 Formula 1 car, the A521, on the second morning of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The returning two-time world champion is driving for the new-look Alpine team on the second day of winter testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, after teammate Esteban Ocon logged 129 laps on a strong opening day for the Enstone-based squad.

Following its rebrand from Renault, Alpine’s new-look 2021 car features a striking blue, red and white livery, as well as an eye-catching, bulbous airbox and engine cover design.

Alonso revealed on the first day of pre-season testing that he will race with titanium plates in his jaw throughout the 2021 F1 season before he has further surgery at the end of the year after breaking it in a cycling accident last month.

Speaking about his desire to return to F1 on Friday, Alonso said: “I think the main thing or why I’m here and came back is because I felt that I was at my best in the last couple of years, in the last couple of months.

First outing done for @alo_oficial, plenty more planned for Day 02 of #F1Testing as he gets to know the #A521. pic.twitter.com/fgnlYncA6h

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 13, 2021

“I felt that I was driving better than ever and I had to make a decision on what was the next challenge after Le Mans, Indy, Dakar - all of the things that I’ve tried.

“I thought being at my best now, maybe Formula 1 was the place to be and I have time in the future to rethink some of the challenges that were not completed. So that was the main thing, I felt that I had something to do here again.

“To win races, to win championships, I think you need a few more things than just your motivation or beliefs,” he added. “You need the package, you need the luck, you need the momentum.

“It’s something that we want to build with the new Alpine name and the team. So I cannot guarantee that, but we will  fight for those wins and those championships in the future if we do the things that we have in our heads. But we are not racing alone.”