Santander weigh in to insure Fernando's thumbs for £9m as part of a new sponsorship deal.

The insurance package was agreed as Alonso signed a new one-year deal with banking group Santander that will see him sponsored by the company's insurance and banking divisions.

"Alonso's thumbs are a big symbol as, apart from being essential when driving a Formula One car, they represent a sign of victory and that everything is under control and well protected." said a spokesperson for the Spanish driver.

The deal was announced as Alonso prepares for his home Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 9. He sits joint-third in the drivers' championship alongside McLaren's Lewis Hamilton. Jenson Button is 11 points ahead of them in first place, with Nico Rosberg 1 point ahead of them in second.

source - sportbusiness.com