The French Grand Prix It is one of Formula 1’s historic dates, although a large part of the current grid has not fully enjoyed it due to its absence from 2009 to 2017 inclusive. Fernando Alonso He has a long journey to French lands.
The SportingNews He reviews the performances of the Spaniard, who has mixed good and bad at the Magny Cours and Paul Ricard circuits.
How did Fernando Alonso do in France?
Fernando Alonso’s first two times in France ended in disappointment. In 2001, with Minardi, he was forced to retire near the end due to engine failure. two years later, with Renault, it did not end due to the same failure either. This time it was much more painful: I was sixth.
Then would come three consecutive podiums with the French team. In 2004 he took the pole although he could not keep 1 against Michael Schumacher and came second. in 2005 he dominated the entire weekend, while in 2006 he qualified third and crossed the finish line only behind Kaiser.
During his time at McLaren, France was its weakest chapter when it reached seventh place, thus matching Canada’s poor performance (not counting Japan’s dropout). Saturday saw the reason: Alonso was 10th in Q3. The Magny Cours farewell took place in 2008 and Fernando got less than expected in the previous one. Saturday’s performance was positive in setting the third top record, although he would finish eighth on Sunday.
With the return of France to Formula 1 in 2018, Alonso was unable to continue his good run. At Le Castellet he qualified 16th and retired due to a suspension problem. In 2021, already with Alpine, he finished eighth and gave the local team a mini joy.
All results of Fernando Alonso in France
| Year | Equipment | Match result |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | minardi | Abandonment |
| 2003 | Renault | Abandonment |
| 2004 | Renault | 2nd |
| 2005 | Renault | 1st |
| 2006 | Renault | 2nd |
| 2007 | McLaren | 7th |
| 2008 | Renault | 8th |
| 2018 | McLaren | Abandonment |
| 2021 | Alpine | 8th |
| 2022 | Alpine |
