Fernando Alonso made a farewell visit to his team-mates in Viry-Châtillon on Monday

After visiting his team-mates in Enstone last week, the double world champion was in Viry yesterday to thank the 250 members of the team's factory one final time.

The atmosphere was friendly and jovial for the visit, just as Fernando wanted. Welcomed by thunderous applause, he began, and to the surprise of many, he did so in nearly-perfect French:

"Thank you, thank you. I want to say thank you to everybody for your hard work. We are all double world champions. We did it together, and it is perfect.

"Thanks to you, I have had an amazing engine. The V10 last year and the V8 this year were fantastic. One failure in two years, this year in Monza, it is amazing – and almost funny when you look back at it. I had a super engine, a great car, and I just tried to drive to the maximum. But we won these titles first of all at Viry and Enstone, thanks to your hard work. So thank you all!"

Touched by his visit and his message, the entire factory took their turn to say thank you, chanting his name and wishing him well for the future… but with plenty of tough opposition!

A final family photo, the final acclamations… parting was such sweet sorrow. And as the champion departed, the crowd began to chant: "It's only au revoir".

You can never really say 'adieu' to people you have taken to your heart…