Bojan Vrbnjak
The team Alpine has unveiled its first championship car Formula 1 after the renaming of the Renault team, A521.
The presentation of the car took place in an online download from the team factory in Enston, And the A521 will hit the track for the first time later this month.
At first glance, the car is big optical change. Yellow color Renault is history, colors predominate on the car French tricolors: blue, white and red. Alpine takes over the wealth of the former Renault team because the French manufacturer wants to promote its brand this year sports cars. But even though it’s a new name, it features the same team from Enston, formerly also called Lotus, Benetton or Toleman. Of course, they will bet on this year as well Renault engine - as the only Formula 1 team.
Renault factory team Formula 1 will bear the name of the car brand from this season onwards Alpine, otherwise owned by a French manufacturer. Esteban Ocon will be racing on the team for the second year in a row, but will get a new teammate this year.
Fernando Alonso is back
For fans, the return of the two-time world champion is certainly the most interesting Fernanda Alonso, who will race at Esteban Ocon. Unfortunately, the Spaniard, who both times became the world champion behind the wheel of a Renault car, could not attend the presentation, as he would have to restriction of entry into the UK in quarantine. Of course, the reason is his accident with by bike last month in Switzerland. According to the team, it will 39-year-old ready for the start of the season at the end of the month in Bahrain. He will race next to him, as said Esteban Ocon, which was in the shadows last year Daniel Ricciard, although he managed to reach his first podium in Bahrain. He will have to go against it now Alonso to prove that he is not just an average midfielder.
New name at the top of the team
Za Alpine is from a sporting point of view this year’s season transient, despite being last year - still like Renault - finished in fifth place. Forehead Alonso he made it known before his return that he would write off this year’s season to make it to the year 2022 achieved his great goal and that is third title. It's 2016 Renault set a five-year program, which did not quite work out, although they took a step forward from year to year. Now with the new staff, they are hoping for fresh impulses.
Longtime team boss Cyril Abiteboul left the team in January. He came in his place Davide Brivio, which together with Marcin Budkowski led the team’s affairs, and both will report to Alpine’s new CEO Laurent Rossi. Racing car Alpine A521 will hit the track for the first time next week when March 12 winter testing begins in Bahrain.
And what do you say racer?
Fernando Alonso"I am very happy to be returning to Formula 1 after a two-year absence. I am very motivated to take part in this new chapter with Alpine, but of course it is something special to return to a team with which I have achieved a lot in the past. There is a great spirit to be felt in both Enston and Viry-Chatilon and we are all very excited about what awaits us."
Esteban Ocon"I am very excited to be able to represent the Alpine F1 team. I think it’s great to see changes in the team and it’s also exciting to see new colors. I have already competed in the Monte Carlo Rally as an Alpine racer. I have to say that I like the new colors and that we have the French flag on the car makes me very proud. Everything is great and I think we have a great season ahead of us."
Alonso in Oconu and a Russian will also join Alpine Daniil Kvyat, who will perform the role of reserve racer.
