Alonso: 'I'm ok and looking forward to getting 2021 underway'

40

Fernando Alonso underwent surgery for a fractured jaw on Friday following his cycling accident, but the Alpine driver says he is feeling "ok" and "looking forward" to starting his 2021 season.

Alonso tumbled head over heals after colliding with a car while training near his home in Lugano, Switzerland on Thursday.

The Spaniard was immediately transported to a hospital where x-rays revealed a fractured jaw, the 39-year-old undergoing a "successful corrective operation" on Friday.

"Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital in Switzerland," read a statement from Alpine. "Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and conducted a successful corrective operation. The attending medical team are satisfied with his progress.

"Fernando will remain under observation in hospital for a further 48 hours."

The two-time world champion also posted a short message on social media to reassure his fans.

Meanwhile, a statement from the cantonal police in Lugano provided a detailed account of Alonso's unfortunate mishap.

"The cantonal police report that yesterday [Thursday] just before 2pm in Viganello, a 42-year-old Swiss motorist domiciled in the Lugano area was driving in via La Santa in the direction of Pregassona," read the statement.

"According to an initial reconstruction and for reasons that the police investigation will have to establish, while making a left turn maneuver to enter a supermarket parking lot, there was a collision with a 39-year-old Spanish citizen, who was riding his bicycle, as he was passing the column of stationary vehicles in the opposite direction on the right.

"The collision occurred against the right side of the car. On the spot agents of the cantonal police intervened and, in support of the police of the city of Lugano as well as the rescuers of the Green Cross of Lugano who, after having given the first care to the cyclist, transported him by ambulance to the Hospital. The 39-year-old suffered a fractured jaw."

Alonso will be up and running with Alpine and behind the wheel of his new team's 2021 contender on March 12 when pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain.

The first round of the 2021 F1 World Championship will also take place at Sakhir on March 28.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.