Alonso “a little bit sad” to have no spectators at first F1 home GP since 2018

Alonso embarks on his first home race since 2018 this weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Alonso won the hearts of his nation when he became the first Spaniard to win an F1 grand prix in 2003, before becoming the first Spanish world champion in 2005.

He's won the Spanish Grand Prix on two previous occasions in 2006 and 2013.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place, a limited number of people are allowed into the circuit.

Looking ahead to his first home grand prix in three years, Alonso said: “It’s always a special feeling racing here, always brings a lot of good memories and a lot of support from the fans. Unfortunately, we don’t have them this weekend, we will only have a limited number that will be already welcome.

“We are used to racing with more than 100,000 people in the grandstands. Coming here to this circuit, we all know very well after the winter testing, a lot of years in the calendar in Formula 1 and this year, it’s a little bit different. We did winter testing in Bahrain. 

“We don't know much about these cars here in Barcelona and we don’t have the fans. So for me it is a little bit sad but we will try and put a good show on TV.”

Fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz believes his move to Ferrari and the return of Alonso would have made this year’s Spanish GP extra special had fans been able to attend.

“Always excited and always a bit more motivated when you’re on home soil, your home grand prix,” Sainz added. “But I must say this year, a bit like last year, the vibe is different. 

“Not having the fans, not having the people there to support you and having those quick chats, quick moments or that they tell you something funny and you respond, and then everytime you go by a fan or something like that, it’s different.

“Also I think in particular this year with the comeback of Fernando and me being part of Ferrari, I think this grand prix would have been exciting, full grandstands. We are going to miss them but hopefully they can support us from home and we can still execute a good weekend.”