News from Switzerland that emerged in mid-February had the effect of a bombshell in the world of sports. Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 world champion, was involved in an accident while training on a bicycle in Lugano — he was hit by a car right on one of the city streets. This news seriously alarmed both fans of 'The Pinnacle of Motorsport' in general and supporters of the Alpine team in particular: after the rebranding (previously the team was called Renault), it was the Spaniard who carried the main hopes for the 2021 season.
Fortunately for Alonso, everything turned out without serious consequences. The bicycle sustained significant damage, while the driver himself got off with a couple of bruises that will take no more than two weeks to heal. According to Fernando himself, published on the Alpine team's Twitter, he will be in full readiness by the start of the new season.
Fans of the team for which Alonso will compete after a two-year break from Formula 1, of course, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the good news about his condition. Their concern is understandable: the skill of the two-time world champion, which he clearly has not lost during the pause, is considered a key factor that could lead Alpine to success in 2021. According to data from the portal Betonmobile, Fernando himself is in seventh place in the ranking of chances for victory in the drivers' championship. And the main contender for the title, of course, remains the long-time champion — Briton Lewis Hamilton.
It is worth recalling that Alonso won the Formula 1 championship in 2005 and 2006, racing for Renault at that time. Later, the Spaniard tried his hand at other teams — McLaren and Ferrari, but his best achievement was second place in the overall standings, which he achieved three times (in 2010, 2012, and 2013).
