Formula 1

GALLERY : ALONSO DRIVES HIS 2005 TITLE-WINNING RENAULT

Published

2 years ago

11/12/2020

GALLERY ALONSO DRIVES HIS 2005 TITLE-WINNING RENAULT

As well as celebrating Alonso’s return to F1 next season, the demonstration event will also act as a nod to the French manufacturer’s heritage in what will be the Enstone outfit’s final race under the Renault badge before it rebrands to sister brand Alpine in 2021.

Fernando Alonso has taken to the track in a Renault once again at the Yas Marina Circuit but this time it was an old friend in the form of his 2005 Formula 1 title-winning R25.

Alonso will begin a third stint with the team, under its rebranded Alpine guise, in 2021, following prior spells in 2002-06 and 2008/09.

Plans had been in place to run the R25 at the French Grand Prix but due to the Covid-19 pandemic that had to be abandoned.

Fernando Alonso (ESP) Renault F1 Team with the 2005 Renault R25. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Friday 11th December 2020. Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In the hands of Alonso and then team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella, the R25 won eight races en route to helping Renault claim its first of two World Constructors’ titles, ending the reign of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

The Spaniard did not hold back as he thrashed the car around the Yas Marina Circuit on slick Pirelli tyres instead of the grooved Michelin tyres that were used in 2005.

Alonso will also be out in the car on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alonso will partner Esteban Ocon for the team’s new incarnation as Alpine in 2021.