Alonso taken to hospital after cycling accident

The Alpine F1 Team has confirmed that two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has been taken to hospital after suffering a road accident in Switzerland.

Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the incident happened near Lugano and the 39-year-old may have suffered fractures. However, the exact extent of any injuries the two-times world champion may have suffered are not yet known.

The Alpine F1 Team has confirmed that the Spaniard was involved in a road accident while riding his bike in Switzerland: "Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland.

"Fernando is conscious and well in himself and is awaiting further medical examinations tomorrow morning. Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow,” read the statement.

Alonso is due to make his return to Formula One this year after signing a two-year contract with Alpine F1 Team for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The French brand belongs to the Renault car manufacturer with which the Oviedo-born secured his two championship titles in 2005 and 2006.

Alonso retired from F1 at the end of the 2018 season and started to focus on other disciplines of motorsport. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and in the following year with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team and was crowned champion in the 2018-2019 super season of the FIA World Endurance Championship as team mate of Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi.

Last year saw the Spaniard test his unique skills at the famous Dakar Rally where he finished 13th on his debut with Toyota. In 2020, he also competed in the Indy 500 with the Arrow McLaren SP outfit, but finished the race in 21st after clutch issues slowed pit stops.