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    •  November 1, 2016

    Fernando Alonso – The Hero of Asturias Gives back to Grassroots Motorsport

    November 1, 2016
    Author Signature
    Ryan Ashenhurst
    Contributor
    Ryan Ashenhurst
    Contributor
    Author Signature

    Fernando Alonso reached Formula One by taking the same route that many aspiring race-drivers are hoping to replicate one day. A successful Go-karter before his age reached double-digits, Alonso is hoping that the fruits of his own success can inspire young Spanish drivers to achieve similar greatness.

    Here, Alonso speaks exclusively to Mobil 1 about his vision and the reason behind creating his karting track and museum:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySfCCRDC6tQ&feature=youtu.be

    Young racers aged between 8-11 can attend Alonso’s school of karting for an intensive four-day introduction into racing a kart, language acquisition and also Health and Safety, more information can  be found on the official website.

    Fernando Alonso created the F1 following in Spain after his breakthrough season with Minardi and the following is currently huge. Alonso famously said,

    “I am very proud of what we have built in Spain, because it is not a traditional Formula 1 country. I think we have found passionate fans, and built up a strong culture for the sport – and things are improving every day, with more and more people getting interested.”

    – Fernando Alonso

    AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 21: Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team McLaren MP4-31 Honda RA616H Hybrid turbo on track during practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 21, 2016 in Austin, United States. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
    AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 21: Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team McLaren MP4-31 Honda RA616H Hybrid turbo on track during practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 21, 2016 in Austin, United States. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

    A legacy later, and Alonso is not only a celebrated sportsman of the Spanish people, but also a motivator for young racers who are trying to get their grips on the first step of the Motorsport ladder. Alonso wants to give back, and building a karting circuit made up of some of the best corners in F1, such as the esses of Suzuka and the infamous Turn-8 from the Istanbul circuit is his way of setting the foundations that will keep Spanish younsters well and truly engaged in pursuing their racing goals.

    Having experienced the financial hill that is Motorsport at a young age himself, Alonso is building a legacy beyond his own Formula One career that really does give back to the community that has elevated and supported him over the years.

     

     

     

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