Alguersuari: Alonso will be expected to win F1® title

Fernando Alonso will be expected to win another world title when he returns to Formula 1® next season, says Jaime Alguersuari.

Two-time F1® champion Alonso will return to the series in 2021 with Renault, two years after he stepped away following a dismal end to his time with McLaren.

The 39-year-old will replace Daniel Ricciardo and team up with Esteban Ocon for his third stint with the French team.

Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul said Alonso's sights are firmly set on 2022, when new technical regulations will enter F1®.

Renault have shown signs of improvement after underperforming in 2019 and Alguersuari, who spent two years in F1® racing for Toro Rosso, believes his fellow Spaniard Alonso will be anticipating a successful return.

Alguersuari told Stats Perform News: "As always, it will depend on the car that he has. Fernando is a great driver and he has demonstrated that always, but I imagine everyone's expectation is Alonso winning another world title.

"If you already have won two, everybody expects you to go and win a third one, but everything will depend on the car that he has and his capabilities to deal with F1® again."

Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship after stepping away from F1®, while he also placed 13th in this year's Dakar Rally.

The Spaniard will attempt to complete the 'Triple Crown' at the Indy 500 this weekend, a race he will start from 26th.

Renault have ruled out another attempt for him in 2021, but Alguersuari understands Alonso's desire to test himself in multiple categories.

"Fernando is driven by his racing motivation. I understand him," said Alguersuari.

"At the end of the day it's a matter of priorities and that was on his to-do list, to compete in other motorsport series is something that you respect because he is a motorsport fan, he has it in his blood.

"I really understand his wish trying in other motorsport series'."