Alonso Will Be Nostalgic With The Renault R25 Champion Car In Abu Dhabi

Fernando Alonso (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will demonstrate the Renault R25 car, which helped him win the title in 2005, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to mark the Spaniard's return to F1.

Alonso will drive an R25 car which has a distinctive blue and yellow livery on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The car powered by a V10 engine led Alonso and his then teammate Giancarlo Fisichella to eight wins, seven pole positions and 18 podiums in 2005 to present Renault's first constructor title and Alonso's first world title.

Renault will celebrate its heritage with a remarkable demonstration run in Abu Dhabi this weekend linking past, present & future. @alo_oficial will be reunited with his championship-winning 2005 R25 car ahead of his 2021 return.👉 https://t.co/h9k5EB2XQA#RSspirit #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/LSAxPenRCZ

- Renault F1 Team (@ RenaultF1Team) December 10, 2020

"It was very emotional to see the R25 roar again, and it was even more perfect to find Fernando behind the wheel. The combination of the car and the racer is classic time in F1 and remains one of Renault's proudest achievements in motorsport," said Renault team head Cyril Abiteboul as quoted by Antara from Formula 1's official website.

"While the car is emblematic of our past achievements, Fernando reflects on our strong ambition to drive more success and recapture those extraordinary moments and emotions.

Alonso's appearance this weekend also symbolically marks a new era for the Renault F1 team which will change its name to Alpine in 2021.

"Of course, all results will now be under the Alpine name but our future will be tribute to this extraordinary time in the history of F1 Renault.

See you tomorrow ... 🎵🎵 @ RenaultF1Team #RSspirit # R25 # v10 # f1 pic.twitter.com/SpBncLrhi6

- Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) December 10, 2020

The Renault facilities at Enstone and Viry collaborated with German specialists Rennwerk Company to bring the R25 asphalt again.

The car was supposed to be exhibited at the French Grand Prix but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the plan to be postponed.

Alonso returns to F1 after a two-year hiatus to defend Renault which will use one of their brands Alpine in 2021.

He will take part in an official test session at the end of the season before joining forces with Esteban Ocon, who won his first podium at the Sadi Grand Prix last weekend.