<p>Double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will remain at the Alpine F1 team for a second season in 2022, the team said on Thursday.</p>.<p>The 40-year-old Spaniard, who had teased a "big announcement" in a coded message on Twitter on Wednesday, will continue to race alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon who was handed a fresh three-year deal by the Renault-owned team earlier this season.</p>.<p>"I’m very happy to confirm the contract extension with Alpine F1 Team into 2022," Alonso, who won both his championships with the Enstone-based team when it raced as Renault in 2005 and 2006, said in a statement ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.</p>.<p>"I felt at home the moment I returned to this team and have been welcomed back with open arms."</p>.<p>Alonso, winner of 32 races, made his Formula One comeback this year after two seasons out during which he competed in the World Endurance Championship and the Dakar rally.</p>.<p>He played a pivotal role in securing team mate Ocon's maiden win at the last race in Hungary by holding up the charging Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. His fourth-place finish in that race was his best result of the season.</p>.<p>The Spaniard is currently 11th in the overall standings with 38 points.</p>.<p>"Fernando has impressed us all since he returned to the sport at the beginning of this year," said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.</p>.<p>"His performance in Hungary was another example of his racing pedigree and reminded everyone how skilled a driver he is."</p>.<p>Alonso's contract extension was widely expected.</p>.<p>Alpine who are now fifth in the overall standings are looking to next year, when a major rules overhaul aimed at encouraging closer racing and a more restrictive budget cap could level the playing field, as an opportunity to move up the field.</p>.<p>Alonso is hoping to lead their charge.</p>.<p>"It’s been a tricky season for everyone, but we’ve shown progress as a team and the result in Hungary serves as a good example of this progression," said Alonso.</p>.<p>"I have been a big supporter of the need for a level playing field and change in the sport and the 2022 season will be a great opportunity for that."</p>
<p>Double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso will remain at the Alpine F1 team for a second season in 2022, the team said on Thursday.</p>.<p>The 40-year-old Spaniard, who had teased a "big announcement" in a coded message on Twitter on Wednesday, will continue to race alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon who was handed a fresh three-year deal by the Renault-owned team earlier this season.</p>.<p>"I’m very happy to confirm the contract extension with Alpine F1 Team into 2022," Alonso, who won both his championships with the Enstone-based team when it raced as Renault in 2005 and 2006, said in a statement ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.</p>.<p>"I felt at home the moment I returned to this team and have been welcomed back with open arms."</p>.<p>Alonso, winner of 32 races, made his Formula One comeback this year after two seasons out during which he competed in the World Endurance Championship and the Dakar rally.</p>.<p>He played a pivotal role in securing team mate Ocon's maiden win at the last race in Hungary by holding up the charging Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. His fourth-place finish in that race was his best result of the season.</p>.<p>The Spaniard is currently 11th in the overall standings with 38 points.</p>.<p>"Fernando has impressed us all since he returned to the sport at the beginning of this year," said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.</p>.<p>"His performance in Hungary was another example of his racing pedigree and reminded everyone how skilled a driver he is."</p>.<p>Alonso's contract extension was widely expected.</p>.<p>Alpine who are now fifth in the overall standings are looking to next year, when a major rules overhaul aimed at encouraging closer racing and a more restrictive budget cap could level the playing field, as an opportunity to move up the field.</p>.<p>Alonso is hoping to lead their charge.</p>.<p>"It’s been a tricky season for everyone, but we’ve shown progress as a team and the result in Hungary serves as a good example of this progression," said Alonso.</p>.<p>"I have been a big supporter of the need for a level playing field and change in the sport and the 2022 season will be a great opportunity for that."</p>