The Alpine F1 team unsurprisingly confirmed its 2022 line-up on Thursday, with Fernando Alonso racing alongside Esteban Ocon whose contract with the French outfit runs until the end of 2024.
Alpine said the extension of Alonso's tenure "signals the continuation of an already strong collaboration, fresh off the back of its historic maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which Fernando played a pivotal role".
Indeed, in the closing stages of the race at the Hungaroring, the Spaniard put in an extra effort to keep championship leader Lewis Hamilton behind to allow Ocon to secure a shock win.
Alpine said its current line-up provides the Enstone squad with the perfect blend of youth and experience, with the 40-year-old Alonso now ranking second – along with Rubens Barrichello - on the sport’s all time race starts list behind Alfa Romeo Racing's Kimi Raikkonen.
"I’m very happy to confirm the contract extension with Alpine F1 Team into 2022," said the 32-time Grand Prix winner.
"I felt at home the moment I returned to this team and have been welcomed back with open arms. It is a pleasure to work again with some of the brightest minds in our sport at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon.
"It’s been a tricky season for everyone, but we’ve shown progress as a team and the result in Hungary serves as a good example of this progression.
"We’re targeting more positive memories for the rest of this season but also crucially from next year onwards with the new regulation changes coming into Formula 1."
Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi highlighted Alonso's impressive skills and determination, as well as his commitment to the French outfit's ambitions in F1.
"We are very pleased to confirm Fernando for next season, partnering with Esteban," said Rossi. "For us it is a perfect driver line-up, amongst the strongest on the grid.
"It works in a hugely complementary way, with both offering raw talent and speed, yet impeccable team spirit that delivered our first win in Hungary.
"Fernando has impressed us all since he returned to the sport at the beginning of this year. His dedication, teamwork and focus to extract the maximum from the team is incredible to be a part of and certainly special to witness.
"His performance in Hungary was another example of his racing pedigree and reminded everyone how skilled a driver he is.
"I am convinced we can benefit strongly from Fernando’s insight and experience as we enter the final development and optimization phase of the 2022 chassis and power unit.
"He is just as hungry as we are for success and is putting in every effort to translate it to performance."
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