BIC hosts first day of F1 testing for Alonso and Renault

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosted today the first of two days of testing featuring two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso and Renault DP World F1 Team.

Alonso piloted Renault’s R.S.18, which was the team’s car in the 2018 season. He completed a full day of testing around BIC’s 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix track the same layout which will host the first race of Bahrain’s first-ever Formula 1 double-header later this month and next.

Alonso’s two-day test at BIC is part of his preparations for the 2021 Formula 1 season, when he is set to return to the top flight with Renault, which will be rebranded as Alpine F1 Team from next year.
Alonso had already sampled Formula 1 machinery earlier this year. Last month, he drove the team’s R.S.20 car in Barcelona during a filming day. He ran for 21 laps and 100km, as mandated by FIA regulations.

The 39-year-old Spaniard is scheduled to get back into the R.S.18 tomorrow for another day-long test run.