Alonso Attends Funeral of Karting Mentor's Father

Fernando Alonso returned to Spain earlier this week, but it wasn't a pleasant visit. Having been announced by former rally champion Carlos Sainz of the death of Josep Marco, the 2-time world champion went to the funerals in Bellcaire d'Empordato to pay his respects to the man that helped him in his early racing years.

As reported by Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, the Renault champion owed much to the Marco family, who practically guided him through his karting years in native Spain. When he was only 10 years old, in 1993, Alonso went on to live with the Marcos – formed by Josep, wife Maria and son Genis.

He was received not only as a member of the Marcos' karting team – Genikart – but also as a member of the family. Later on, Genis Marco was to become one of Alonso's mentors in motorsport.

The Formula 1 ace always kept in touch with the Marco, as reported by the aforementioned source. A few years ago, before the Spaniard was to become world champion, he seems to have gifted the Marco Family with a helmet inscripted with the following dedication “For Genis, Pravi and Maria, as a remainder of great times”.

Josep Marco died at the age of 57. Also attending the funerals was Alonso's former karting colleague Antonio Garcia (both karting world champions at the time), recent winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona last weekend. Alonso was also joined by his father.