F1 driver Alonso undergoes surgery for fractured jaw after road accident

McLaren's Spanish driver Fernando Alonso gestures during a press conference at the Circuit de Catalunya on May 11, 2017 in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. [AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE]

Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso underwent an operation for a fractured jaw and will remain under observation for the next two days following a road accident while cycling in Switzerland, his Alpine team said on Friday.

The 39-year-old double world champion, who was involved in the accident on Thursday, is due to make his Formula One comeback this season after two years out of the sport.

“Following his cycling accident yesterday Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital in Switzerland,” a team statement said.

“Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and conducted a successful corrective operation. The attending medical team are satisfied with his progress.

“Fernando will remain under observation in hospital for a further 48 hours.”

May 17, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; IndyCar Series driver Fernando Alonso sits in his car in the pits during practice for the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. [Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo]

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper reported on Thursday that the Spaniard, a keen cycling fan, had been hit by a car while training on his bike near his home in Lugano.

Alpine, formerly known as Renault and renamed after the French manufacturer’s sportscar brand, said they expected Alonso “to be fully operational to undertake preparation for the season”.

The Formula One championship is due to begin in Bahrain on March 28, with pre-season testing in the Gulf kingdom from March 12-14.

Alonso, who took his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 and has won 32 grands prix, last raced in Formula One with McLaren in 2018.