Renault expands on value of Alonso test programme in 2018 car
Renault believes there is great value in Fernando Alonso's test programme in a 2018-spec car ahead of his Formula 1 comeback in 2021 after announcing further running plans.

Two-time world champion Alonso will return to F1 full time next year with Renault, having last raced in 2018 before quitting.
Alonso completed a short filming day in Renault's 2020 F1 car in Barcelona last month before undertaking a two-day test in the team's 2018 car in Bahrain last week.
The Spaniard will continue his preparations with another two-day test in the 2018 car, taking place this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Asked by Motorsport.com about the thinking behind Alonso's test running, Renault F1 executive director Marcin Budkowski said it was a useful way for him to get back up to speed and re-adjust to F1 machinery.
"He wants more days in a car to get used to the team, to get used to the systems, the procedures, to fine tune his seating position and the steering wheel and everything," Budkowski explained.
"But he also hasn't driven the car for two years. They are bloody fast cars. He needs to get back in shape, get back in the rhythm, so he's taking any opportunity he can to drive."
Read Also:
Budkowski added that it would help Renault fine tune minor things such as steering wheel placement or seat position, saving it time ahead of the reduced pre-season running for 2021.
"It's an opportunity to drive and work with him on things like the steering wheel, his favourite button position, how he wants to be able to activate all the different systems in the car, and practice our procedures," Budkowski said.
"It seems simple but the more we practice these things, the less we have to do in winter testing. We only have three days of running for our two drivers in winter testing next year, so practicing FIA procedures, all the various things he will need to have under his belt that might be different from what he experienced before, and also getting accustom to the team.
"The car is different, its our 2018 car. We've improved quite a lot since '18. But it's the same DNA of a car. The '20 car is a better car, but at the end of the day, getting him used to a Renault car, even if it's a two-year-old car, is beneficial."
Since making his last F1 start with McLaren in 2018, Alonso has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota, as well as taking part in the Dakar Rally and the Indianapolis 500.
Alonso has signed a two-year deal for his third stint in F1 with Renault, having previously raced for the team in 2002-06 and 2008-09, and has his sights set on the shift in regulations for 2022 to return to the front of the order.
Budkowski hailed Alonso's determination and curiosity in all of Renault's F1 plans, revealing that he was willing to get a head start on development work for 2022 at the earliest opportunity.
"We were in the wind tunnel, and he said, 'so you can't run the '22 car at the moment?'" Budkowski recalled.
"I said no, we can't do it because of the regulations. He said, 'when can you start developing?' and I said 1 January.
"'OK, are you running on 1 January?' Well normally we don't, but this year we might, as it's the year. He said, 'OK, we have to run on 1 January, I can come here and help you'.
"This is the level of motivation of Fernando at the moment."
Related video

Previous article
Stroll refusing to dwell on recent "rough patch" of F1 form
Next article
2030 F1 wind tunnel ban raises safety issues, says Wolff

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Fernando Alonso |
Author | Luke Smith |
Renault expands on value of Alonso test programme in 2018 car
Trending
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
The nightmare timing that now hinders Mercedes
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton took victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite, for a change, not having the quickest car. But any hopes of developing its W12 to surpass Red Bull's RB16B in terms of outright speed could not have come at a worse time.
How Verstappen's Bahrain mistake can only make him stronger
Max Verstappen lost out to Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix by a tiny margin, slipping off the track just as victory was within his grasp. But the painful lesson from defeat can only help Verstappen come back even stronger