Alonso’s FA Racing team makes Formula Renault debut

The racing team backed by two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has run the car it will contest the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup with for the first time.

Alonso’s junior team has collaborated with Spanish single-seater outfit Drivex and formed a joint-entry under the FA Racing by Drivex banner to compete in the Formula Renault Eurocup. 

The Drivex squad, which was founded by ex-F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa and Miguel Angel de Castro in 2005, will expand into Renault’s flagship junior series for the first time this season, having largely competed in the Euroformula Open Championship and Spanish F4 series in the past. 

Teams were taking part in a first shakedown test with the new-generation Formula Renault Eurocup car, following a move to streamline the category in-line with other major single-seater championships.

The more powerful Formula Renault FR-19 uses a Tatuus chassis, an Oreca-prepared 270 horsepower 1.8 litre turbo Renault engine and features the latest safety elements including the Halo cockpit protection system. 

Alonso’s FA Racing team, which already competes in F4, karting and eSports, made its first appearance at the test ahead of its move into the series in 2019, with Mexican Javier Gonzalez driving the car in wet conditions at the Cremona Circuit in Italy. 

The McLaren driver, who won both of his F1 titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, has stepped away from the sport after 17 years to pursue his bid to become just the second driver in history to win the Triple Crown of motorsport. 

Eight of the ten teams registered for the 2019 season took part in the shakedown test, with three further pre-season tests scheduled at Magny-Cours, Paul Ricard and Barcelona before the opening round at Monza on April 12-14. 

Today I have witnessed a very special moment, firing up for the first time the FA Racing Formula Renault 2019. With this car we reinforce the commitment for younger generations from the FA kart (3 times karting world champions) to the single seaters. Let's go! #FAracing @drivex_ pic.twitter.com/6kw4mMvEAB

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) February 1, 2019