Alonso on track at Barcelona for 'new beginning' with Renault

Fernando Alonso will be back behind the wheel of an F1 car on Tuesday, the Spaniard sampling in Barcelona Renault's R.S.20 as he kicks off "a new beginning" in the sport.

Renault confirmed on social media Alonso's track day at the Circuit de Catalunya, the French team taking advantage of a remaining filming to help its 2021 recruit stretch his legs ahead of his return to the grid.

Alonso warmed up to the outing by conducting simulator work at Enstone here he also got acquainted with key members of Renault's crews.

"Returning behind the wheel is going to be an amazing feeling," said Alonso, ahead of Tuesday's shakedown that will be limited to 100km.

"After two years not driving in Formula 1, I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s going to be like a new beginning, getting surprised about the speed of the car, the braking performance, the corner speed and a lot of things which will surprise me once again."

©Renault

Alonso's partnership with Renault is a homecoming of sorts for the 32-time Grand Prix winner who both his world championship titles with the manufacturer.

"It’s very special to be back in Barcelona. I remember my first test with Benetton in the year 2000, it was in Barcelona," he said.

"It’s going to be at the same circuit 20 years after that first test and it’s going to be one of the last opportunities with a car named after the Renault brand because next year it’s going to change.

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"I feel really privileged, I’m looking forward to it, very excited.

"Preparing for this test was not easy," Alonso added. "With the Covid restrictions, it was not the normal preparations, not many days in the simulator, but nevertheless, I think we are ready.

"It’s only 100km, it’s a filming day, so we will try to maximise those laps, try to get some images and some filming.

"I know I will learn and discover a lot of things during those laps. I will take it with a very open approach, try to learn as much as possible in every kilometre."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.