Alonso embarks on his first home race since 2018 this weeken𝕴d at ൲the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Alonso won the hearts of his nation when he became the first Spaniard to win an F1 grand prix in 2003, be😼fore becoming the first Spanish world champion in 2005.

He's won the Spanish Grand Prix on two previouﷺs occasions in 2006𝓀 and 2013.

Due to the ongoing COV🌜ID-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place, a limited number of people are allowed into the circuit.

Looking ahead to his first home grand prix in three years, Alonso said: “It’s always a special feeling racing here, always brings a lot of good memories and a lot of 🎀support from the fans. Unfortunately, we don’t have them this weekend, we will only have a limited number that will be already welcome.

❀“We are used to racing with more than 100,000 people in the grandstands. Coming here to this 🗹circuit, we all know very well after the winter testing, a lot of years in the calendar in Formula 1 and this year, it’s a little bit different. We did winter testing in Bahrain. 

“We don't know much about these cars here🉐 in Barcelona and we don’t have the fans. So for me it is a little bit sad but we will try and put a good show on TV.”

Fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz believes his move to Ferrari and�ꦛ� the return of Alonso would have made this year’s Spanish GP extra special had fans been able to attend.

“Always exc🌳ited and always a bit more motivated when you’re on home soil, your home grand prix,” Sainz added. “But I must say this year, a bit like last year, the vibe is different. 

“Not having the fans, not having the people there to support you and having those quick chats, quick🌊 moments or that they tell you someth𓆉ing funny and you respond, and then everytime you go by a fan or something like that, it’s different.

“Also I think in particular this year with the comeback of Fernando and me being part of Ferrari, I think this grand prix would have been exciting, full grandstands. We are going to miss them but ho⛎pefully they can support us from home and we can still execute a good weekend.”