Alonso undergoes surgery for jaw fracture

Fernando Alonso has undergone successful surgery to correct a fracture in his upper jaw.

Alonso, who returns to F1 this year with the rebranded Alpine team, was involved in a road accident while cycling near Lugano, Switzerland, on Thursday.

The 39-year-old, who was described as "conscious and well in himself", was taken to a nearby hospital for an initial examination.

An Alpine statement confirmed: "Following his cycling accident yesterday Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital in Switzerland.

"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.

"Looking forward, after a few days of complete rest, he will be able to progressively resume training. We expect him to be fully operational to undertake preparation for the season.

"Alpine F1 Team and Fernando thank you for your wishes and will issue further updates when appropriate."

At this stage, the indication is the two-time Formula 1 champion will recover in time to take part in the sole pre-season test that takes place from March 12-14 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The F1 season then begins just two weeks later in Bahrain.

The accident is, however, still a setback for Alonso in his preparations for his return to the sport after a two-year hiatus.

After leaving McLaren at the end of the 2018 season and seemingly retiring from F1, Alonso then kept himself busy winning the Le Mans 24 Hours and World Endurance Championship, along with victory in the Daytona 24-Hour race, an attempt at the Dakar Rally and a tilt at the Indianapolis 500.

After his return was announced at a time when the team was known as Renault, the Spaniard then threw himself into preparing for his comeback, notably taking part in private tests and, controversially, the 'young driver' test following the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

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