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      Fernando Alonso says he’s ‘OK and looking forward’ to 2021 F1 season with Alpine after jaw surgery following road crash

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has declared that he is feeling ‘OK’ after suffering a fractured jaw in a cycling accident.
      The two-time F1 champion came off his road bike in Switzerland on Thursday afternoon and needed hospital treatment.

      Fernando Alonso injured himself on Thursday while cycling in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @fernandoalo_oficial

      Alonso’s girlfriend Linda Morselli is by the Spaniard’s side in hospital following his accident

      The 39-year-old will spend a further two days in hospital – with his partner Linda Morselli by his side – as he recovers from surgery on his jaw and teeth.
      His Italian model girlfriend has reportedly been keeping relatives updated on his condition via WhatsApp.
      Taking to social media, Alonso said: “Thanks for all your wishes, I’m OK and looking forward to getting 2021 underway.”
      A statement from his Alpine F1 team – formerly Renault – said: “Following his cycling accident Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital in Switzerland.

      “Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and conducted a successful corrective operation.
      “The attending medical team are satisfied with his progress. Fernando will remain under observation in hospital for a further 48 hours.
      “Looking forward, after a few days of complete rest, he will be able to progressively resume training.
      “We expect him to be fully operational to undertake preparation for the season.”

      Thanks for all your wishes, I’m ok and looking forward to getting 2021 underway.💪💪💪💪Let’s gooooooooooooooo
      — Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) February 12, 2021

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      A police report confirmed the F1 star collided with a Swiss driver, who was turning into a supermarket.
      Alonso is set to make his F1 return in a month’s time at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after quitting McLaren in 2018.
      Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez was among those to wish his compatriot a speedy recovery, tweeting on Thursday night: “All my best wishes for Fernando Alonso.
      “We hope his injuries from this accident are minimal. A big hug.”

      Fernando Alonso hospitalised ahead of F1 return after being hit by car while cycling in Switzerland More

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      Lewis Hamilton diversity drive could be key to F1’s future, says India’s rising star Jehan Daruvala

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      FORMULA ONE can only benefit from creating a more diverse paddock – after all, it’s good business sense.
      In the final race of last season, Indian F2 ace Jehan Daruvala became the first driver from the huge Asian nation to win a race in the series since its revamp in 2017.

      Jehan Daruvala wants to put the Indian flag on the Formula One gridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton has led a renewed push for more diversity in Formula OneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And while Lewis Hamilton is pioneering a fresh approach to inclusivity in motorsport, Daruvala is also hoping to inspire a new generation of talent.
      He told SunSport: “I think everyone does respect what Lewis has to say and to be honest, he is right.
      “You don’t see too many different people in motorsport and it would be good to have a lot of people from different cultures and countries.
      “I don’t feel like I’m out of place at the track but it would be good to have more, say, Asians, Indians, competing in F1 and also working in F1.”

      The 22-year-old, who will race for Carlin in his second year in F2, believes India has the ‘potential’ to become F1’s biggest market and wants to ‘inspire’ his country’s next generation.
      The sport’s bosses are forever looking to expand its reach beyond a typically UK and Europe-heavy fanbase, with the United States long targeted as a key audience.
      But Daruvala noted: “Formula One is quite big in India but it has a lot of potential.
      “I think with the amount of people we have, if there is an Indian driver in F1 and doing well then India probably will be by far the biggest market in terms of viewership and everything.”

      Targeting a push at the F2 title in 2021, the Red Bull academy driver finished 12th last year and wants to make his case for a seat among the big boys.
      Fernando Alonso is one icon Daruvala would love to drive against and he highlights the two-time champion as his idol.
      He added: “Fernando Alonso has been my idol since I was young.
      “His passion for going racing and driving any car really close to the limit at any given time, since 2005-06 when he was world champion I have basically supported him.”
      One youngster stepping up from F2 this year is Yuki Tsunoda, who drove with Daruvala last season before a promotion to AlphaTauri.
      The Japanese starlet’s old team-mate said: “He’s pretty good, he is quite inexperienced still but I think he will do pretty well once he gets set in the car.

      Fernando Alonso, currently recovering in hospital from a fractured jaw, is Daruvala’s idolCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Old Carlin team-mate Yuki Tsunoda will make the step up into F1 this yearCredit: Alamy Live News
      “I think he should be pretty close to [Pierre] Gasly and give him a run for his money.
      “He’s very nice, very funny, he doesn’t say too much but he’s got a good sense of humour and always wants to improve the car and the team.”
      The constant rise of talent in F1 and its penchant for selecting heavily financially-backed drivers may make the path to the top one of the most crowded in world sport.
      Aston Martin’s decision to go with Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel in the coming season left Sergio Perez heading towards the exit door before Red Bull swooped in.
      And the F1 team’s academy driver, who broke into motorsport on an Indian TV talent contest, feels the driver merry-go-round can play into his favour if he can put together a strong run in the year ahead.
      He added: “One year you can be a hero and the next year pretty much out of F1.

      My goal is to win the championship next year but if I finish in the top three I will be pretty pleased.
      Jehan Daruvala

      “So if you don’t perform as you are expected to then things can go wrong very quickly.
      “My goal is to win the championship next year but if I finish in the top three I will be pretty pleased.
      “I think I finished the season in the best way, by winning. So my goal will be to be quick and fast and see where we are in the championship towards the end of the year.”

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      Fernando Alonso’s model girlfriend Linda by his side in hospital after undergoing surgery on jaw after road crash

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has girlfriend Linda Morselli by his side in hospital after undergoing surgery on his jaw.
      The two-time Formula 1 champion, 39, was hit by a car on a roundabout while cycling in Switzerland on Thursday morning.

      Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso pictured with girlfriend Linda Morselli

      His Italian model girlfriend has reportedly been keeping relatives updated on his condition via WhatsApp.
      Team Alpine confirmed on Twitter that he was operated on as he had a fracture in his upper jaw.
      It read: “Following the cycling accident yesterday Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital.
      “Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and conducted a successful corrective operation.

      “The attending medical team are happy with the progress.”
      Swiss police have revealed he was hit by a car driven by a woman who was turning into a supermarket car park.
      Cantonal police said in a statement on the incident, in which they did not name Alonso but described him as a 39-year-old Spaniard and confirmed he had suffered a fractured jaw.
      Alonso, who was training on a £5,500 road racer ahead of his return to F1 after a two-year absence, was rushed to a nearby hospital for X-rays.

      It was not immediately clear whether the 39-year-old Spaniard remained in Lugano or had been transferred to a hospital in the Swiss city of Bern so he could put himself in the hands of a maxillofacial surgeon.

      The Formula 1 star’s girlfriend has been keeping relatives updated on his conditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A statement from Alpine on Thursday read: “Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.
      “Fernando is conscious and well in himself and is awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning.
      “Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow.”
      The bike Alonso was on has been identified as a road racer called the Adrenaline SL, made by a firm called MMR Bikes based in his native region of Asturias in northern Spain.
      MMR Bikes owner Daniel Alonso insisted overnight that Alonso always stuck to the rules when he indulged in his favourite passion outside of F1.

      Fernando Alonso was involved in a road accident while cyclingCredit: Instagram @fernandoalo_oficial
      The businessman, a keen cyclist who has accompanied his fellow Asturian on bike rides, told regional newspaper La Nueva Espana: “Fernando Alonso has been with us all his life and I’m very grateful to him.
      “I was shocked by news of his accident and I hope he recovers quickly so he’s ready for his return to Formula 1.
      “Fernando is always very prudent when it comes to cycling and makes sure he follows all the rules.
      “Because he’s a Formula 1 driver, he’s conscious of the dangers on the road and he always makes sure he has his wits about him.
      “I hope this incident doesn’t put him off cycling and serves as an example so that cyclists are respected more.”
      Alonso won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.
      He quit F1 after leaving McLaren at the end of the 2018 season.
      His return to the grid for the 2021 season comes 20 years after he made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001, starting a career which brought him 32 Grand Prix victories and 97 podiums across stints at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari.
      The new season is due to start in Bahrain on March 28.
      Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez was among those to wish Alonso a speedy recovery, tweeting on Thursday night: “All my best wishes for Fernando Alonso.
      “We hope his injuries from this accident are minimal. A big hug.”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Fernando Alonso hospitalised ahead of F1 return after being hit by car while cycling in Switzerland More

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      Fernando Alonso hospitalised ahead of F1 comeback after being hit by car while cycling in Switzerland

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has been hospitalised after he was involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland on Thursday morning.
      The Spaniard, who will make his F1 return this year with the Alpine team, is conscious but will be transferred to another hospital to undergo more tests.

      F1 driver Fernando Alonso is in hospital after a collision with a car while cycling in SwitzerlandCredit: AFP – Getty

      According to Spanish media, Alonso will now be moved to a hospital in the de facto Swiss capital Bern, where he will undergoing further testing on Friday morning.
      The extent of his injuries are not yet known, although his face and jaw are ‘very affected’ after his collision with the ground after falling off his bike.
      A team statement on Thursday said: “Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.
      “Fernando is conscious and well in himself and is awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning.

      “Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow.”
      The crash happened while he was training on a bike near his home in Lugano.
      Fans and fellow drivers were quick to send messages of support to the former world champion online.
      Former F1 stars Romain Grosjean and Carlos Sainz tweeted messages in support of Alonso.

      Grosjean wrote: “Get well soon @alo_oficial” before Sainz added “Chin up. I hope it’s just been a scare.”
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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: “All my best wishes for Fernando Alonso.
      “We hope his injuries from this accident are minimal. A big hug.”
      F1 fan Charlie wrote: “Looking forward to seeing him back in the car and wishing him a speedy recovery. The man is an animal and I know he’ll be back in the car as soon as is humanly possible.”
      Sari said: “That’s much more reassuring news than what’s already been floating around.
      “Wishing him a very quick recovery.”
      And Aadarsh tweeted: “He will fight through like he always does.
      “He will be back to his very best in no time. I have no doubt about it. He is Fernando Alonso.”
      Alonso won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.

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      F1 to return to Portugal’s Portimao race track on May 2 after being given green light for vacant slot in schedule

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      FORMULA ONE will reportedly return to Portugal’s Portimao for the vacant calendar slot on May 2.
      Following weeks of uncertainty about how the 2021 calendar would look, F1 chiefs and Portuguese race organisers are said to have agreed to stage the event on the Algarve.

      Portugal’s Portimao will hold the third race of the 2021 F1 seasonCredit: Splash News

      An agreement has been reached which will see drivers go head to head on May 2Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The race will be the third of the season after Bahrain on March 28 and Imola on April 18.
      There were doubts whether Portugal would be able to hold the event given the serious nature of the coronavirus situation in the country.
      But talks in recent days have seen an agreement reached with F1 and local race organisers happy for the race to go ahead, according to AutoSport.
      Teams will reportedly be formally notified of the decision at Thursday’s F1 Commission.

      However, UK quarantine restrictions on Portugal mean there are still complications.
      Portugal is on the UK’s ‘red list’ which requires anyone arriving in the UK from there to quarantine in a hotel for ten days.
      There is no exemption for elite sport meaning any UK based F1 personnel would have to stay away from home between Portimao and the Spanish Grand Prix on May 9.
      The Portugal news comes after it emerged F1 are planning a huge qualifying shake-up with ‘sprint races’ and half points handed out to top eight teams.

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      The idea was mentioned last week by new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with the Saturday short races to determine Sunday’s grid.
      It means that on some occasions this year, qualifying will be ditched in favour of the sprint races as opposed to reverse grid races.
      The top eight finishers from the new qualifying format would pick up around half the points earned from a traditional race.
      The plans will be outlined at a meeting on Thursday with the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix expected to be earmarked for the new format to spice up the action.

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      Five Lewis Hamilton replacements for Mercedes as F1 team plan for life without Brit including Max Verstappen

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      IF Lewis Hamilton’s new contract taught us anything, it is that Mercedes are already planning for life without him behind the wheel.
      An admirable partnership has been inserted into his 10-month deal that will help his and Merc’s push for greater diversity in motorsport.

      F1 world champ Lewis Hamilton has signed a new 10-month Mercedes deal but the German team need to consider who can succeed himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It also has all the hallmarks of Hamilton feathering his nest for life after F1 when he is no longer challenging for titles.
      He will be 37 six days after his latest deal expires, which could also be his last, so who would Mercedes replace him with?
      Here SunSport looks at five potential candidates.
      Max Verstappen

      Red Bull’s Max Verstappen would surely be Mercedes’ dream replacement when all-time great Lewis Hamilton finally departsCredit: AFP
      The Dutchman would be top of Mercedes’ wish list and the obvious pick to replace the current world champion.

      We know Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has checked on Verstappen’s availability in the past only to come up against a determined Red Bull, who have quickly shut down the chances for Verstappen to jump ship.
      Supremely quick and ruthless when required, Verstappen has now cut out the mistakes and is currently the next best thing to Hamilton.
      George Russell

      Brit starlet George Russell would offer Mercedes continuity, having long been a reserve and test driver for the German teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A ready-made replacement for his countryman, Russell has been part of the team for years as a reserve and test driver. He knows all the key players within the team, understands the systems and processes, so would offer Merc continuity.
      We know he is quick as he proved that when he filled in for Hamilton at the Sakhir GP. The only doubt is whether he can deliver at the same rate as Hamilton for as yet he’s only scored three points, let alone a victory.

      Charles Leclerc

      LeClerc has been hugely impressive at FerrariCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mature beyond his 23 years, Leclerc carried Ferrari last season. He delivered results in a terrible car and completely out-classed his former teammate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
      Of course, like Verstappen, he is not part of the Mercedes stable, but if they are able to promise and deliver him a car capable of fighting for wins in 2022, he’d be interested in making the switch from red to silver.
      Lando Norris

      Norris is making good progress at McLarenCredit: Splash News
      Bags and bags of potential and a fascinating character to boot. Norris has it all in his locker, he just needs to find the right team to unlock his potential.
      He is making fantastic progress at McLaren but given a dominant car, the Brit would be able to mix it with the best on the grid.
      He is under contract at McLaren but is paid considerably less than his peers.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Mick Schumacher

      Mick Schumacher makes his F1 debut this yearCredit: Splash News
      There will be a huge amount of attention on Michael Schumacher’s son as he makes his debut in 2021 for the Haas F1 team.
      Schumacher is there by virtue of his place in the Ferrari Young Driver academy, who will be desperate to keep hold of him should he impress.
      However, the lure of a German driver in a German car could prove too irresistible for Mercedes, who would not hesitate to break the bank if they believed he could deliver titles.

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      F1 plan huge qualifying shake-up with ‘SPRINT RACES’ and half points handed out to top eight teams in new rule proposal

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      SPRINT races could replace traditional qualifying in some Grands Prix this season as F1 chiefs consider radical new proposals to spice up the sport.
      The idea was mentioned last week by new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with the Saturday short races to determine Sunday’s grid.

      Lewis Hamilton in qualifying at the Bahrain GPCredit: EPA

      It means that on some occasions this year, qualifying will be ditched in favour of the sprint races as opposed to reverse grid races.
      The top eight finishers from the new qualifying format would pick up around half the points earned from a traditional race.
      The plans will be outlined at a meeting on Thursday with the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix expected to be earmarked for the new format to spice up the action.
      Domenicali said last week: “It’s important to think of new ideas to be more attractive or interesting, but no need to lose the traditional approach to racing.

      “What we learned when we were changing the qualifying every two days was something that burnt our fingers.
      “We need to avoid that, and therefore now I think that the format is quite stable. What we’re looking at is what could be the approach to a so-called Saturday sprint race.
      “We’re thinking of testing this already this year. There are ongoing discussions with teams in the right forum.”
      Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton’s one-year Mercedes deal has been labelled as “unusual” by former F1 driver Martin Brundle.

      The world champion stalled on signing new terms with the Silver Arrows only to agree a short-term ten-month deal when the expectation was it would be for at least two seasons.
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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Lewis Hamilton is the highest-paid driver in F1
      And Sky Sports F1 commentator Brundle believes is smacks of the duo failing to agree on a long-term solution that has left them with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both out of contract at the end of this season.
      He said: “I think it is very unusual, the situation alone. It has taken a long time, and for a team and a driver of such stature a one-year deal is unusual.
      “It seemed like they couldn’t work it out, but had to force it because the new season is coming up.

      “I think they thought the winter tests are coming, we have to do something.
      “A one-year deal leaves Lewis, Valtteri and George Russell, the young driver who led of course when Hamilton was sidelined with Covid-19 back in Bahrain, all out of contract at the end of this year.
      “Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open, I suspect that was Mercedes, so they put it to bed for this year and are saying they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.”

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      Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m one-year Mercedes contract ‘unusual’ leaving futures up in air, says ex-F1 star Martin Brundle

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’s one-year Mercedes deal has been labelled ‘unusual’ by former F1 driver Martin Brundle.
      The world champion stalled on signing new terms with the Silver Arrows only to agree a short-term ten-month deal when the expectation was it would be for at least two seasons.

      Lewis Hamilton has signed a new short-term deal at MercedesCredit: EPA

      Commentator Martin Brundle has labelled Hamilton’s situation ‘unusual’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Sky Sports F1 commentator Brundle believes is smacks of the duo failing to agree on a long-term solution that has left them with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both out of contract at the end of this season.
      He said: “I think it is very unusual, the situation alone. It has taken a long time, and for a team and a driver of such stature a one-year deal is unusual.
      “It seemed like they couldn’t work it out, but had to force it because the new season is coming up.
      “I think they thought the winter tests are coming, we have to do something.

      “A one-year deal leaves Lewis, Valtteri and George Russell, the young driver who led of course when Hamilton was sidelined with Covid-19 back in Bahrain, all out of contract at the end of this year.
      “Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open, I suspect that was Mercedes, so they put it to bed for this year and are saying they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.”
      Meanwhile, F1 chiefs will discuss the prospect of Saturday sprint races instead of qualifying at some races this season.
      The proposal was mentioned last week by new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with the short races to determine Sunday’s grid.

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      It means that on some occasions this year qualifying will be ditched in favour of the sprint races as opposed to reverse grid races.
      The plans will be outlined at a meeting on Thursday with the Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix expected to be earmarked for the new format to spice up the action.
      Domenicali said last week: “It’s important to think of new ideas to be more attractive or interesting, but no need to lose the traditional approach to racing.

      Hamilton is the highest-paid F1 driver

      “What we learned when we were changing the qualifying every two days was something that burnt our fingers.
      “We need to avoid that, and therefore now I think that the format is quite stable. What we’re looking at is what could be the approach to a so-called Saturday sprint race.
      “We’re thinking of testing this already this year. There are ongoing discussions with teams in the right forum.”

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