Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso hospitalised after road accident

Fernando Alonso has been rushed to hospital after reportedly being hit by a car while cycling in Switzerland.

The two-time Formula One world champion is preparing for his return to the F1 grid with Alpine this season, having been out of the sport for the last two seasons.

But his place on the starting grid for next month's season-opening race in Bahrain is in huge doubt following his collision.

Reports emerged that the Spaniard had been involved in a road accident and his F1 team confirmed on Thursday evening that Alonso is 'conscious' after being taken to hospital.

A statement said: "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."

According to Italian publication La Gazzetta, the Spanish star – who won back-to-back F1 world titles with Renault in 2005/06 – was riding his bicycle in Switzerland when he was hit by a car.

The outlet also claims that Alonso may have suffered possible fractures, an injury which would put his place on the grid for next month's season-opener in huge doubt.

It is understood the incident happened near Lugano, with Alonso quickly helped and taken to a local hospital.

Alonso, who turns 40 in July, has been out of the sport since he appeared to bring down the curtain on his career with McLaren at the end of the 2018 season.

But the Spaniard, who won successive championships with Renault, has now completed a sensational comeback with the French manufacturer, who have been rebranded as Alpine.

Alonso has competed in 311 grands prix, winning 32 of them. He starred for Renault in the early years, before quitting McLaren after one season following a turbulent campaign alongside the then-rookie Lewis Hamilton.

He returned to Renault before a four-year period at Ferrari where he came close to winning the title on two occasions. After falling out with the Italian team, he went back to McLaren, but the switch proved desperately unsuccessful.

Alonso quit the sport after four seasons with McLaren but will now return to partner Esteban Ocon at Alpine this season.

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