FERNANDO ALONSO

EARLY LIFE

Fernando Alonso Diaz was born on 29th July 1981 in Oviedo, Spain.

Fernando’s mother worked in a department store and his father worked as a mechanic in an explosives factory near Oviedo. His father, Jose, loved to take part in karting.

Fernando’s father built a racing track for his daughter, Lorena, when she was 8 years old, but unlike her brother Fernando at the age of 3, she took no interest in racing.

When Fernando was between 12 and 15 years old he travelled around Spain taking part in karting competitions, with his father acting as his mechanic.

EARLY CAREER

Alonso took part in Karting competitions, supported by his father.The family did not have the money to further his career in motorsports but his victories attracted sponsorship.

Between 1993 and 1996 Alonso won four junior Spanish Championships.

In 1996 he won the Junior World Cup.

Alonso had his first test in a racing car in 1998.

Alonso then moved up to Formula 3000 – the final step before moving up to Formula 1.

TEAM ASTROMEGA

Alonso joined Team Astromega – he was the youngest driver in the Series.

He didn’t score any points until the 7th race of the year. He then took a second place and won a race.

This was enough for Alonso to finish fourth overall in his first year.

Alonso was ready to move on to Formula 1.

FORMULA ONE CAREER

Fernando Alonso was the third youngest Formula one racing driver to race when he made his debut in the 2001 Australian Grand Prix.

His notable performances earned him attention from some of the top racing teams.

Alonso became a test driver for Renault in 2002.

He became the youngest driver to earn a Pole Position at the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix and became the youngest driver to win Formula One race when in 2003 he won the Hungarian Grand Prix.

LIVING DANGEROUSLY

2003 BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX – Alonso crashed at 180mph

2004 INDIANAPOLIS – Alonso crashed at around 200mph

The picture below was used by newspapers to suggest Alonso had had a fatal crash, however, this was a hoax by the papers.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

25 SEPTEMBER 2005

Alonso wins the Formula One World Racing Driver’s Championship title

He was 24 years old – this record was broken by Lewis Hamilton!

Alonso retained this title in 2006 – making him the youngest ever double Championship winner.

He was also the winner of the first ever Formula One Grand Prix held at night at Singapore in 2008

REAPING THE REWARDS OF BEING A CHAMPION

Alonso has earned world wide recognition – his nickname is El NanoHe is surrounded by fast cars and the women who follow the Racing CircuitHe has earned millions of dollars racing in Formula OneAlonso was made a Director of the Grand Prix Driver’s AssociationHe acts as a Goodwill Ambassador for the organisation UNICEF