Alonso plays down value of Abu Dhabi F1 test
Fernando Alonso has downplayed the value of his controversial test with the Renault Formula 1 team in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday as he prepares for his return in 2021.

The FIA gave drivers who did not race in 2020 permission to take part in a session that was originally intended for rookies.
Alonso will be joined at the test by fellow veterans Sebastien Buemi at Red Bull, and Robert Kubica at Alfa Romeo.
Read Also:
The decision to allow the former world champion to gain more mileage with the Renault RS20 angered other teams, especially McLaren and Racing Point, who planned long to skip the test as they had no young drivers to run.
Alonso has already completed a 100km filming day at Barcelona with the current Renault on demo tyres, as well as logging extensive mileage with a 2018 Renault, including a recent outing in Abu Dhabi.
"Honestly, it's not very important," he said when asked by Motorsport.com about this week's run.
"I know that there was a lot of media attention to this. I mean, every kilometre is important, and it will be welcome.
"But I feel more or less ready after the 2018 days. This one will be nice, because it's the race engineers and mechanics, so I get to know them a little bit more, because the 2018 testing was with a young team.
"So on that aspect it's gonna be nice to get some interaction with the people you will work with in the future.
"But in terms of feeling or driving or something, it's okay, but it's not a day or night change for my preparation."
Read Also:
Alonso conceded that he would be provide some useful feedback, given that much of the 2020 car will carry over, but insisted that rule changes mean its value will be limited.
"You will give your feedback," he said. "But honestly, I don't know what they can do into next year with this car, because they are losing a lot of downforce from the cars, and with the different tyres.
"So how much will affect anything you say going into next year, I don't think it's gonna be any. So it's more for me to feel comfortable with the guys, as I said, the seat position, whatever. It should be enough, but not too much."
Alonso said his demo runs in his 2005 Renault R25 last weekend didn't help him, even with relearning the track, as he had run in Abu Dhabi recently.
"I've been testing here with a 2018 car, and that was very useful. But with the 2005 car, I think it's totally different. I couldn't take anything."
Related video

Previous article
Marko: Albon future decision due "before Christmas"
Next article
Ricciardo reveals he's had Bathurst talks

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Fernando Alonso |
Author | Adam Cooper |
Alonso plays down value of Abu Dhabi F1 test
Trending
Sebastian Vettel explains why Aston Martin
Aston Martin AMR21 Unveiling
Aston Martin is back to F1
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…