Fernando Alonso recently underwent the jaw surgery that he had planned this month and the Alpine driver is now in recovery mode.
It was initially believed that the Spaniard would lead Alpine's efforts in last weekend's virtual Le Mans 24 Hours event, but because of his convalescence period, Alonso restricted his involvement to a management role.
During his preparations for 2021, the two-time world champion suffered a bike crash in Switzerland that required oral and maxillary reconstructive surgery which included the insertion of a metal plate.
The surgery to remove the latter was performed in a clinic in Bern where Alonso resided for two days.
"I had an operation last week and was in hospital for a while. Now I am recovering from the operation," Alonso said, quoted by Speedweek.
Alonso said that his Alpine F1 teammate Esteban Ocon and himself were initially ear-marked to race together in last weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual.
"I couldn’t participate this time but of course I’m following the race, especially Team Alpine Sport with car number 36," he said.
"It’s a great event and I wanted to be part of it too, together with my team-mate Esteban Ocon.
"We wanted to be in the same car but because I couldn’t make it due to the procedure, I think he also postponed his participation until later. But I think we will make up for it one day."
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