'GET WELL soon' wishes and messages of encouragement have been pouring in from all quarters for Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso after it was announced he was in hospital with multiple fractures.
Fernando Alonso on his €6,000 bicycle (photo by reporter El Larguero on Twitter)
The twice-world champion is said to be 'conscious' and 'out of danger' after being run over whilst out on his €6,000 bicycle, honing his fitness for the pre-season training ahead of his planned return to the most élite echelon of the sport.
Alonso was near his home in Lugano, Switzerland, at the time, and the swift response by the medical team meant he was in the hands of top-qualified doctors within minutes.
Initial X-rays appear to show several broken teeth and a number of fractures in his jaw, although it is not thought his limbs are affected, so he may, at a push, be able to proceed with his eagerly-awaited 2021 Formula 1 comeback.
He will be transferred to the capital, Bern, tomorrow (Friday) or Saturday, where he will be seen by a leading craniofacial specialist.
The pre-season trials will be from March 12 to 14 at the International Circuit in Bahrein, meaning Alonso may be cutting it fine, even if he recovers enough in time for the first Grand Prix of the season at the same venue on March 28.
Team Alpine Rénault has issued a formal statement on Twitter, reading: “[We] 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 [Friday] morning.
“Alpine F1 Team will not make any further statement at this point in time. Further updates will be given tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, everyone from fellow sports professionals to Spain's president has tweeted their best wishes to Alonso.
“Much strength and all the best for Fernando Alonso. We hope the injuries from your accident are minimal – big hugs!” wrote national leader Pedro Sánchez.
The only other Spaniard in Formula 1 at the moment, Carlos Sainz Junior – who has always called his good friend Fernando Alonso his 'mentor' – wrote: “Keep your spirits up. We hope it'll be nothing and that you recover as soon as possible!”
Engineer for Mahindra Racing, Toni Cuquerella, wrote: “Let's hope it's nothing, and get well soon.”
France's Romain Grosjean was one of several who tweeted their messages in English: “Get well soon, Fernando,” as did Team Haas F1, who wrote: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Fernando,” with an emoji of hands joined in prayer.
Carlos Sainz Senior, father of the Formula 1 racing driver of the same name and himself a rally-driving champion, tweeted a picture of him and Alonso together and wrote, “Keep your spirits up, and let's hope it's nothing more than a scare!”
MotoGP prodigy and six-times world champion Marc Márquez also urged Alonso to 'keep his spirits up', and added, “we're with you!”, with an emoji of a flexing bicep.
Alonso's previous Formula 1 team, McLaren, wrote: “Sending our best wishes to Fernando. We're all hoping for a speedy recovery.”
Keep Pushing F1 used its own name for its well-wishes, along with the usual one about 'spirits', and emojis of fists thrust forward.
