Renault could use filming day for Alonso test
Fernando Alonso's return to the Formula 1 cockpit with Renault could be during a filming day or even a 2018 car, reckons team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
With the Spaniard having expressed an eagerness to get driving again ahead of his racing comeback in 2021, Renault has been evaluating what options it has to test him.
As Motorsport.com revealed last week, discussions are already underway with the FIA regarding whether or not the team can get permission to run Alonso in the post-season Abu Dhabi test.
But while that remains uncertain, Abiteboul thinks the most likely first step would be to get him out in a two-year old car, as restrictions on running 2018 machinery are not so strict.
Speaking ahead of the Russian Grand Prix, Abiteboul said: "One thing I can say is that he's definitely keen on getting back behind the steering wheel, so we will see.
"We are building the programme and there are a couple of opportunities within the restrictions of the sporting regulations.
"There are things like filming days that we've not done so far. There is a post-season test that I have already commented on, and we'll see where we get there.
"We also have a two-year-old car programme that we can run pretty much anywhere. And he'll probably do a bit of that also.
"So you'll see him in action. But I can't say here, where and when exactly yet."
Alonso last week made his first return to Enstone since signing to join Renault for 2021. He had a seat-fitting in the current car and also conducted runs in the simulator.
With Renault having undergone a huge ramp up in investment in recent years since returning as a works team, Abiteboul said the Spaniard was delighted with what he saw in both the UK and its French engine headquarters at Viry-Chatillon.
"I can tell you that he was really impressed by all the changes in Viry," said Abiteboul. "All the new people, the energy, the drive, the determination that there is in Viry, developing a new PU for what is now 2022.
"It's something that is extremely important to us to see Fernando and to see his pride, and his excitement in his eyes. He has also been a witness of all the changes in Enstone.
"But a nice building is not the statement of what's coming. So we just need to work very hard to make sure that he has a car that he wants and also that he deserves."
Related video
Previous article
Russian GP: Bottas heads incident-filled first practice
Next article
Horner suggests non-championship F1 race to trial reverse grids
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Fernando Alonso |
| Teams | Renault F1 Team |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Sebastian Vettel explains why Aston Martin
Aston Martin AMR21 Unveiling
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…
