Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso addressed fans for the first time after an accident he had the day before.

He left a comment under the official statement from French team Alpine, which reported on his condition.

“Thanks for all your wishes, I'm fine, I'm looking forward to the start of the 2021 season.

Forward!"

- wrote Alonso.

The incident took place on Thursday at about two o'clock in the afternoon near the Swiss city of Lugano, where the pilot lives.

Alonso was doing a cycling session, during which he was hit by a car.

A police statement said a 42-year-old local resident was driving.

She was making a turn into the parking lot of a shopping center and at that moment she collided with a Formula 1 pilot who was driving towards him along the parked cars.

Law enforcement officers and doctors immediately arrived at the scene.

After that, Alonso was sent to the hospital, later he was taken to Bern.

Initially, there were few and very alarming reports about Alonso's health.

Alpine said he was conscious and rated as satisfactory.

At the same time, it was assumed that the Spaniard could have received a head injury, and after the first X-rays, several fractures were suspected, which cast doubt on the recovery by the beginning of the season.

But already on Friday morning, doctors' forecasts became more optimistic.

Doctor Jose Gonzalez assured that serious consequences were avoided, although more accurate information should have appeared after further examinations.

"We can almost certainly say that he will be able to participate in pre-season tests in Bahrain," - quoted Gonzalez portal GranPX.new, citing Spanish media.

Later it became known that Alonso would need surgery.

During the craniofacial surgery, his jaw was set, transformed due to a strong blow, and several teeth were removed, which are to be replaced with implants.

According to the source, the rider has no problems with speech, although he is shocked by what happened. 

This information was confirmed by Alpine.

The team also added that the pilot will be able to leave the hospital in two days.

“After yesterday's bike accident, Fernando Alonso was examined at a hospital in Switzerland.

Doctors discovered that he had a fracture of the upper jaw and performed a successful corrective operation.

The medical staff are satisfied with the progress of his recovery.

As for future plans, after a few days of good rest, Fernando will be able to gradually resume training.

We expect him to be fully involved in preparing for the season, ”Alpine said in a statement.

The incident involving the Formula 1 veteran left few people indifferent in the world of motorsport.

A speedy recovery was wished to him by rivals of the French stable Ferrari, Haas, Red Bull, McLaren, former and current colleagues, including Carlos Sainz Sr., Romain Grosjean and Jenson Button, press services of the leading car series and numerous fans.

The Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez did not stand aside either, who expressed the hope that his compatriot would get by with minimal damage.

President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt also addressed the titled pilot.

“I wish Fernando a complete and speedy recovery.

Another reminder of how vulnerable cyclists are on the road.

Take care of yourself, "Todt wrote on Twitter.

Alonso became the Formula 1 champion in 2005 and 2006 with Mild Seven Renault.

In 2018, he ended his 17-year career in royal racing, but did not leave motorsport, deciding to try his hand at other series.

Thus, the Spaniard took part in the Dakar rally-marathon and the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, and also twice became the winner of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race, playing for Toyota.

In July last year it became known that Alonso intends to return to Formula 1 in the 2021 season.

He will once again drive for Renault, which will be renamed Alpine from the coming season.

The first pre-season Formula 1 tests are scheduled for March 12-14.