De la Rosa: 'Alonso can become world champion for the third time'

Fernando Alonso, currently recovering from a cycling accident earlier this week, will return to Formula 1 this coming season. However, he does not immediately expect to win any more races. Former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa thinks otherwise.

"Fernando loves Formula 1," says De la Rosa in a documentary about Alonso by Spainish broadcaster Movistar. "The last few years he has spent outside Formula 1 have taught him to appreciate the sport more. His return is positive, both for himself and for the sport."

Renewed interest in Formula 1 due to Alonso's return

He also explains that interest in Formula 1 plummeted after Alonso's departure, and that his announced return is rekindling this interest.

"He could win another world title, and there is a lot of enthusiasm for that. People didn't think Formula 1 was interesting anymore, because there was no Spaniard competing who could win," De la Rosa said.