Alonso to make F1 return at Bahrain test

  • Published on 28 Mar 2019 17:45
  • comments 10
  • By: Fergal Walsh

McLaren has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will drive the MCL34 at the in-season test in Bahrain next week.

Alonso left Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season after spending four years with McLaren. The Spaniard joined McLaren after failing to pick up a championship with Ferrari.

However his time at McLaren failed to produce strong results as it struggled with former engine supplier Honda. After switching to Renault in 2018, it was still not able to produce convincing results.

The lack of competitiveness and lack of battling in the midfield left Alonso to take the decision to depart F1 after 17 years.

Alonso will drive for one and a half of the two days of running, alongside compatriot Carlos Sainz who is racing full-time for the Woking squad in 2019.

The double world champion will jump behind the wheel on Tuesday for the whole day before driving the car once again in the afternoon on Wednesday.

Replies (10)

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  • Admit it, Alo, you long back to the grid.

    • + 0
    • Mar 28 2019 - 18:10
    • I don't think he misses F1 too badly right now, especially with another mediocre McLaren car. However, in sure he's keen to stay close in case he has a chance to make a comeback. Also, having Alonso around always gets people talking, he's good for the sport. A truly divisive icon of F1. Only passionate fans and haters. Very little in between

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 01:48
    • I don't think he misses McLaren, but I do think he is still pursuing some kind of seat.

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 06:14
    • Also AJ: I'd like to disprove your theory, because I am the living example of the "meh" regarding Alonso. I don't like or dislike him, I think he is a good driver, but he's never been a favourite of mine, and he doesn't really annoy me either.

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 06:15
    • @calle point taken, you're honestly the first ambivalent Alonso observer

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 07:11
    • The first and possibly only. I might be more rare than an albino kakapo.

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 09:29
  • He is going to comeback into F1 next year. may be in a Renault?

    • + 0
    • Mar 28 2019 - 20:16
    • Only if either Ric or Hulk leave, and I kinda find it unlikely unless another door open for either driver (I could kinda see Ric return to RB, depending on how things play out).

      • + 0
      • Mar 28 2019 - 20:49
    • He is testing Dakar Hilux bakkies in South Africa this week with Toyota Gazoo racing. Do you really think he will make a come back? He is out exploring the world of motorsport. I can see him in rally cross soon though...

      • + 0
      • Mar 29 2019 - 07:41
  • And some people say he doesn't want to get back into F1. ;)

    • + 0
    • Mar 29 2019 - 00:55

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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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Driver profile

  • Country Spain
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (42)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, Spain
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
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