Renault’s wayward son returned home today. Fernando Alonso stepped back into a Renault uniform this morning at Jerez, Spain for a run in the team’s R27 race car. The Spaniard’s return to the French team from McLaren closes an ugly chapter in his career that tarnished an otherwise stellar image.
For both the team and driver the focus in 2008 will be on rebuilding reputations. Renault was fortunate to only drop as far as third in the team championship last year, thanks to the McLaren disqualification, and will be eager to get back to the top on merit. The team had achieved great success in 2005 and 2006 when they beat McLaren and Ferrari respectively to the titles.
Similarly, Alonso will be desperate to rebuild his reputation as the world’s best driver. He will need to get on top of his rookie teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr., quickly if he is to erase the memory of being beaten by Lewis Hamilton last year. The Spaniard cannot afford to play the childish political games that went on in 2007 at McLaren. On-track results are all that matter and they need to be accomplished fairly.
Needing to restore their pride will be a powerful motivator for both driver and team. Fernando and Renault are wounded animals and writing off either would be a serious mistake. If Renault build a reasonable car, Alonso will use it to great effect, especially against McLaren if given the chance.
*Alonso finished the day at the top of the timesheets. Though this is winter testing and lap times alone cannot determine who will be fastest when the season starts, there should be no doubt that today’s performance was a message sent to and understood by the rest of the paddock. Fernando is still a threat.
