Fernando Alonso to make F1 comeback with titanium plates in his jaw

Former world champion will drive for Alpine in new season
Max Verstappen the quickest as testing begins in Bahrain

Fernando Alonso will make his Formula One comeback this season with titanium plates in his jaw. The double world champion had the plates inserted after a cycling accident in February, he revealed on the first day of testing in Bahrain. On track, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen headed the time sheets while Mercedes suffered a setback, losing almost their entire morning running because of a mechanical problem.

Alonso does not foresee the accident having any impact on his performance. “I don’t expect any issues,” he said. “I’ve been training for three weeks or two weeks, absolutely normal, and I’ve been in the simulator as well. One thing is the professional side and driving side, which is 100%. On the personal side I will have to remove two titanium plates that I have on the upper jaw, that will be removed at the end of the season.”